Why I do Mooloolaba Triathlon

The Mooloolaba Triathlon (Queensland, Australia) has been a favourite destination for Elite and age-group multisport and triathlon communities for almost three decades, cementing itself a place as an iconic event in the Australian sporting calendar. Mooloolaba Triathlon hosts an ITU Triathlon World Cup on the Saturday and welcomes thousands of age-group triathletes from Australia and around the world on the Sunday of the schedule.

Since its inception in 1993, the world’s greatest names, tens of thousands of age groupers, newbies and support teams of family and friends have joined in the annual celebration with the passionate local community, to make the ‘Moo Tri” a ‘must do’ event.

Whether your thing is standard or sprint distance triathlon, watching the world’s best in the Mooloolaba ITU Triathlon World Cup, the Criterium, the new ASICS Mooloolaba Hot Laps or just taking it all in while sitting trackside in the best cafés and restaurants on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, from 13-15 March, Mooloolaba is once again the place to be.

Mooloolaba Triathlon regulars James Frith, Steve Hughes, Nathan Scott and Sally Green reckon the only cure for FOMO is to be there in Mooloolaba.

“I have been going to Mooloolaba on family holidays since I was a child, so in a way it is like a home triathlon for me. But I also love racing there because the run leg is best set-up for family, supporters and visitors watching on.”
“Spectators can spread themselves out on either side of the hill all the way down to the turnaround and from their vantage point cheer on the athletes. That support is amazing and so valuable in keeping everyone moving forward when things warm up and get tough,” James said.

Steve Hughes said he loves the Moo Triathlon event and really appreciates the work of everyone who make it possible for the competitors to enjoy.
“It is a great swim, ride and run in an awesome place, with an amazing atmosphere and an ideal opportunity to catch up with friends. It makes no difference if you’re the fastest or the slowest, because it is just about doing the best you can do in a friendly, beautiful environment.”

Nathan Scott said that apart from the fact that the Mooloolaba is the best triathlon in the world, Mooloolaba is also the best location for a triathlon.
“The accommodation choices are excellent and fits all budgets, the race venue is fantastic with plenty of places to sit in the shade and watch, plenty of grass to sit down and relax.  Plenty of food choices for all budgets, plenty of souvenir choices and even supermarkets. What more could you want?”
“The swim is usually quite flat, the water temperature is absolutely gorgeous and the start temperature is very pleasant. The hills on the bike heading out of town are challenging but out on the bike course proper and out of town, it is fast and flat where you can really enjoy yourself.”
“The weather gets warm towards the end and the hill on the run course is a great challenge they are the things that make Mooloolaba unique. The race is excellent and because you are on the same course, it prepares you for IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast in a way that no other race can.” 
“The supporters are fantastic and volunteers are certainly the best. All up, it is a fantastic event which I enjoy every year and I love the challenge.”

Three years ago Moo Triathlon was a slightly nervous Sally Green’s first ever standard distance event and since then it has become something of a tradition for the crew from Tropical North Queensland.
“In my first Moo Tri conditions were less than favourable leading up to the event but on the day the ocean flattened out and it was perfect. The atmosphere at Moo Tri is amazing and the people are so friendly. It is a great course (even running up Alexandra hill) and the view of the surfers from there was great.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. We fly from Cairns to get there but so many of our local squad are coming this year. It is a very well run event and I am looking forward to going back and racing in March. It will be fantastic.”

The 2020 Mooloolaba ITU World Cup will be staged on Saturday 14 March and will host some of the world’s best triathletes, chasing valuable points in an Olympic year.