Triathlon brings athletes to town

FOUR hundred athletes are set to compete in this weekend’s Yungaburra Triathlon, now in its ninth year and set to present a number of firsts.

“This will be the first year that Yungaburra Tri will have live results online, as well as medals for every athlete,” said Helena McInnes, the event’s new manager.

Tablelands Regional Council, previous event managers, put a tender out for Yungaburra Triathlon after the 2021 edition. Ms McInnes, ride coordinator of the epic Cairns 2 Karumba Bike Ride, successfully threw her helmet in the ring and hasn’t taken her foot off the pedal since.

“I love to give back to the Cairns community in a healthy lifestyle way,” she said. “It’s fantastic that people are coming from across the state and staying for more than two nights in the Tablelands.”

Event ambassador Megan Hendry will compete in her eighth Yungaburra Triathlon.

“The atmosphere is really good,” she said.

“There will be lots of positive encouragement for the athletes, and the picturesque small town vibe, along with food and coffee stalls, will make it a nice event for spectators too.”

Ms Hendry signed up for the first event in 2014 as a curious local participant. She has since competed in three ironman distance races.

“It’s a real honour to be trusted with promoting my hometown event. My biggest tip for first-time competitors is remember to enjoy it.”

Tinaburra boat ramp and sections of Tinaburra Drive will be closed between 1pm and 5pm on Saturday and between 5.30am to 1pm on Sunday. Sections of Barrine Rd, Maple St, the Gillies Highway, Peeramon Rd, Ball Rd and Curtain Tree Fig Rd will be closed from 7am-12.30pm on Sunday.