Geraldton Triathlon Club to get off and racing with new season on October 17 with try-a-tri day

One of the Mid West’s most unique clubs is about to get back up and running — and swimming and biking.

The Geraldton Triathlon Club’s season will start on October 17 with a Try-A-Tri race the club are hoping will encourage members to sign back up and potential new racers to test themselves.

“The off-season has flown by and (the new) triathlon season starts soon,” tri club member Jikki VanAmstel said.

“We use (the come-and-try day) to encourage new people to have a go, remind our past athletes about the start of the season and hopefully try to entice some new ones.

“We’re looking forward to another great season.”

The event is a free, untimed race with two distances on offer.

The enticer course is a 250m swim, 7km bike ride and 2km run, while the short course is a 300m swim, 14km bike and a 4km run.

Potential athletes need to register with the club ahead of the day.

Former club president Ben Freer said last season the Geraldton triathlon scene was unique as it allowed people to race more than anywhere else in the country, which attracted a lot of visitors from out of town.

“People come from all over,” Freer said.

“People plan for weeks and months to do a triathlon, but we do them every week.

“We hold a triathlon every week, and other clubs do three or four a year.

“That’s unique for Australia.”

He said the club welcomed new members and people could compete without specialised gear, while with many different formats on offer, people could also often aim to win a race within the first year or two of joining.

While races are timed, the club has a policy of applauding and high-fiving competitors, many of whom are aiming to finish the course rather than compare times.

Check geraldtontriclub.com.au for more information.