Turia Pitt to headline Challenge Forster Festival

In 2011 the life of 24-year-old Turia Pitt changed forever when she was involved in a near fatal fire while taking part in a 100 kilometre ultra-marathon in Western Australia.

Suffering burns to over 65% of her body, she remained in a critical condition for weeks and even the most experienced Doctors didn’t believe she would survive.

Fast forward to 2015, and after countless surgeries and almost two years wearing a head-to-toe compression suit, Pitt is now taking on the world. Apart from being a true medical miracle, Pitt has become an inspirational pinup woman travelling the globe as a motivational speaker and sharing her story of survival, love and her desire to continue to compete.

On 8 November, she will join fellow South Coast based multi-sport company, Elite Energy, who are bound for the Great Lakes for a two day triathlon festival – Challenge Forster.

Taking place in the homeland of Australian triathlon, hundreds of competitors from first timers to elites are expected to converge onto Forster keys.

A self-confessed endurance animal, Pitt and her fianc̩ Michael Hoskins, who she credits for being her motivational influence on her long road of recovery, will both be competing in the signature Challenge half distance event Ironman Рa 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21.1km run.

As she continues to defy medical odds her response to the question “why” is “why not” and it’s this mind over matter attitude that will see Forster become a stepping stone to her goal of competing in her first Ironman in 2016.

For Elite Energy CEO, Mark Emerton, this is what his events are all about.

“I’ve known Turia for many years, her motivation is definitely something that should drive people. These days it seems we’re all about excuses. Life becomes too busy, we’re too tired, too old, it’s too wet, too hot. If she can’t change your outlook on life, nothing will.

“We need more inspiring people like Turia in our lives and we can’t wait to see her finish another milestone in Forster. We breed them tough on the South Coast,” said Emerton.

Triathlon has become a sport synonymous with achieving personal feats and stories of motivation and Challenge Forster is hoping to welcome a string of similar and inspirational individuals.

With distances as little as the Enticer a 200m swim, 8km ride and 2km run/walk “and through  to the Challenge Half, triathlon is definitely achievable for anyone of any age and ability.