Big field set to Sprint to finish line

Albany will host a sprint-distance event for the second year when the Southern Ports Albany Sprint Triathlon kicks off at Middleton Beach on Sunday morning.

About 100 athletes are expected to take part in the Albany Sprint Triathlon, a shorter version of the 30-year Albany Classic, which was run previously by Albany Triathlon Club.

This year’s event will also include for the first time, a duathlon, suitable for non-swimmers.

The sprint-distance event is available for athletes aged 13 or over of all abilities and includes a safer bike and swim leg.

Albany Triathlon Club president Jim Darmody said the Albany Sprint Triathlon gave social athletes the perfect opportunity to have a go.

“We started this event as we know some people may feel intimidated by normal triathlon and duathlon events,” Darmody said.

“Our goal is to create an event for all abilities that is more about experiencing Albany and its surrounds rather than winning a race.”

The triathlon consists of a 750m swim, a 20km ride and 5km run while duathlon competitors will tackle a 2.5km run on Middleton Beach, the full 20km bike leg and then final 5km run.

The event kicks off at 7.30am on Sunday.