Tri and tri again for region
THE true success of the Kingscliff triathlon will be felt in coming years, officials predict, after another bumper turnout at the weekend.
More than 1200 athletes plus about 300 fans braved the weather to take part in the growing event in northern NSW.
Brandon Copeland and Gillian Backhouse claimed the men’s and women’s elite categories respectively, while local paratriathlete Bill Chaffey finished with the second overall fastest time on the day.
“Talking to the athletes, many of the them have come to Kingscliff for the first time because of the event and have now become now loyal visitors throughout the year,” race director Michael Crawley said.
“Athletes love the location, the vibe in the village, and the variety of cafes and shops along Marine Parade.”
Early results of the post event survey of athletes estimated that each athlete stayed an average of more than three nights and spent $275 in town each day because of the triathlon.
The survey also indicated that 35 per cent of visitors had never been to Kingscliff before, and of those 52 per cent will be returning in the next year for a holiday.
The Kingscliff Triathlon is back on March 18 for the State Series and State Championship races.