Christmas Triathlon Tradition this weekend at Raby Bay in Queensland

This Sunday Raby Bay will host round three of the Gatorade Queensland Tri Series, the final race for 2010. Commonly known as the Christmas tradition tri, the event is proving popular as a last hit out for the year and a chance for everyone to celebrate the festive season post event.

Once again Race 3 promises to showcase some of our emerging young talent. For many years this series has been a great breeding ground for these youngsters to learn their trade and hone the many skills required in this sport.

2010/11 series leader, Bryce McMaster will be looking to capitalize on his unbeaten record this season. McMaster has posted consecutive wins in the first two rounds and will be looking to finish the season on a winning note and a hat trick. In just twelve months McMaster is a vastly improved athlete, putting the improvements down to new coach Chris Lang and his Southport based squad that boasts the likes of Brad Kahlefeldt.

2009/10 Series Champion, Ben Holland will be keen to challenge McMaster in the short distance event. This will be Holland’s first appearance in this series and no doubt he will be chasing a podium finish.

In the women’s event, Sarah Crowley is also making her first appearance in the series after recovering from injury. Crowley won this event last year and the veteran would like to make it a winning return but will have some hot competition from the junior ranks including Sunshine Coast speedster Chloe Turner. Turner was the women’s 2009/10 series runner-up and will be keen to make this event her first podium finish of the season before the brief Christmas break.

However, the Gatorade QTS isn’t all about the Open competitor’s, the series caters for all levels of entrants and offers two distances for competitors aged 13 to 80+ and one category especially for kids.

There is also plenty of festive fun to be had at Raby Bay with organisers USM EVENTS encouraging competitors to dress up for the silly season! The competitor snapped and judged as having the best Christmas costume will win a Garmin Forerunner Watch, valued at $300.

So tell a friend about the triathlon or entice them down to watch you compete “there will be plenty of Christmas spirit around and they may just end up getting the triathlon bug!

Race 3 Distances:

QTS 750m swim | 20km cycle | 5km run

Enticer 300m swim | 10km cycle | 2.5km run

The Courier-Mail Kool Kids 100m swim | 2km cycle | 400m run

Start:

6.45am The Courier-Mail Kool Kids

7.00am Enticer

7.30am Gatorade QTS

Venue:

Harbour Park, Shoreland St, Cleveland

This season the Gatorade Queensland Tri Series has again teamed up with the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) as the official charity.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is a global initiative which raises money and awareness for the organisation.

Last year USM Events donated over $16,738.50 to LETR and is looking to increase its contribution to this great cause in the 2010/11 season.

Race 4 Robina Sunday January 16, 2011

Race 5 Caloundra Sunday February 6, 2011

Race 6 Raby Bay Sunday February 27, 2011

Race 7  Gold Coast 1 May, 2011 – SERIES GRAND FINAL – Gold Coast Triathlon, Luke Harrop Memorial