8 Apr 2024

Wollongong’s iconic Peoplecare Triathlon Festival returns bigger and better than ever

Wollongong has played home to triathlon for the past 12 years, igniting the city with a sense of competition, camaraderie and community. In 2024, Wollongong Triathlon Festival returns bigger and better than ever, with something for everyone from elites to novices, runners and spectators across two days of sporting action. Wollongong Harbour and Lang Park precinct will come to life across the 20th-21st of April, with thousands of athletes and spectators to flood the shores.

The festival is organised by Elite Energy Events, who also host the event annually, however this year there are some exciting new additions thanks to Kembla Joggers, Wollongong Track Club, AusTriathlon and World Triathlon.

Kembla Joggers’ famous fun runs ‘Fitness 5’ and ‘Kerryn McCann 10’ form part of the triathlon festival in 2024, racing on Saturday 21st April alongside a newly added 2km distance for the little ones or for those after something more casual. In addition, this year’s festival sees the introduction of Wollongong Ocean Swims, hosting a 400m, 1km & 2km distance directed by ‘MMJ Aquathon’ owner Robert Battocchio.

Elite Energy Events CEO Mark (Emo) Emerton said, “We are excited to welcome fun runs and ocean swims as standalone events within the festival. Families have always enjoyed our wellbeing hub and TriKidz events, however it’s wonderful to have additional options for everyone to enjoy regardless of their age or capability.”

2024 marks the beginning of an exciting 3 year deal for triathlon in Wollongong, as World Elites flock to the city for the Triathlon World Cup. Around 200 international athletes will race a Sprint distance triathlon along Wollongong’s foreshore on Saturday 21st, following the Australian Championships for Junior Mens & Womens Sprint, and Para & Intellectual Impairment athletes.

Following Saturday’s jam-packed schedule for runners, swimmers and spectators, the annual Peoplecare Triathlon will take place on Sunday 21st with a swim, bike and run challenge for athletes of all levels. The weekend’s events promise to unite fitness enthusiasts, eager novices, thrill-seekers, and families alike in a celebration of health, wellness & community spirit.

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said Council was pleased to have hosted the triathlon festival in the city for more than 12 years and are excited to see it grow into an international event attracting some of the world’s most elite triathletes to Wollongong.

“Whether you’re a participant or a supporter, events like this are important as they provide an opportunity to demonstrate the importance of exercise, movement and being in the outdoors on everyone’s wellbeing,’’ he said.

“We often talk about Wollongong being a liveable city. What makes it this is our access to outdoor spaces for sport and recreation, great events to get involved in whether as a participant or from the sidelines, and having access to international events like this on our doorstep.

“I’d encourage everyone to note the dates of the upcoming triathlon in their diary and make sure they find the time over the weekend to pop down to Wollongong’s foreshore to soak up the fun and action of this terrific event.’’

Whether you're an ocean swimmer, seasoned runner, casual jogger, triathlete (or want-to-be), Peoplecare Triathlon Festival will have something for everyone! And if you’re more of a cheerleader than a racer, make sure to bring the family down to watch on as world elites race the shores on Saturday 20th.

Wollongong Triathlon Festival isn’t just about the sport; it’s about providing a welcome space for people of all ages and abilities to have a crack and bask in a sense of community. Parties involved are excited to see local sporting and events organisers band together to create a uniquely inclusive and world-class event for Wollongong.

For more information on the weekend’s events, visit www.eliteenergy.com.au/event/wollongong-triathlon-festival/.

 

Wollongong Triathlon Festival is proudly supported by Peoplecare Health Insurance, Wollongong City Council, Destination NSW and Destination Wollongong.

In order to accommodate the weekend’s events, some adjustments to traffic conditions will be in place across April 19th-21st. For more information, see Fri 19th/Sat 20th Traffic Implications and Sun 21st Traffic Implications.

Wollongong Triathlon is supported proudly by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

 

END

 

NOTES TO THE EDITOR

Point of contact for Peoplecare Triathlon Festival Wollongong, interviews and further information:

• Emma Pinfold - Marketing Manager, Elite Energy Events | emma@eliteenergy.com.au

ABOUT ELITE ENERGY EVENTS

Elite Energy has produced some of the greatest multi-sport events in Australia.

Since our humble beginnings in 1999, we have become the go-to-team for delivering successful mass participation and multi-sport festivals across the country.

The brainchild of Mark ‘Emo’ Emerton, Elite Energy is delivering some of the biggest events in Australia, including the iconic Australian Long Course Championships at Huskisson (Husky Triathlon Festival) which celebrated 19 years in 2024.

Now our portfolio exceeds over 20 events across triathlon, Xterra, Aquathons, cycling, running and more.

 

For a full calendar of upcoming events, check our upcoming Event Calendar at eliteenergy.com.au/race-calendar