Major club event attracts athletes from the big smoke

Albany Triathlon Club will host the biggest event on its calendar, with the Southern Ports Albany Sprint Triathlon running for the third straight year at Middleton Beach on Sunday morning.

About 65 athletes are expected to take part in the sprint-distance event, a shorter version of the 31-year-old Albany Classic, which was run previously by ATC.

This year’s event will also include, for the second 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 safe bike and swim leg.

Albany Triathlon Club president Jim Darmody said their members are looking forward to the weekend.

“We have more Perth triathletes than previously so that is really pleasing,” he said

“A lot of Perth people came down and watch but went back to Perth and told their club mates to compete so I think we will have over 25 Perth athletes.

“We will have a few teams entered which is more work and school mates just having some fun.

“Hopefully, it’s good weather, because we have a beautiful course with a safe swim and ride leg.”

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.