GEELONG TO HOST TRIATHLON EXTRAVAGANZA

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA (19 July 2012) - The 2012 Geelong Multi Sport Festival will launch into its’ third year on Friday 8th to Sunday 10th February 2013, bringing triathlon and festival events together at the traditional home of triathlon – Geelong.

Entries are set to open on Tuesday 24 July 2012, and will be headlined by the much anticipated URBAN Geelong Long Course over the popular 70.3 distance of 1.9km swim, 90km cycle, and 21.1km run.

The URBAN Geelong Long Course offers 50 exclusive spots into IRONMAN Asia-Pacific Championship Melbourne which is perfectly positioned six weeks later. 30 Las Vegas IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship slots are also on offer.

Returning for the third year running is the Subaru Olympic Distance Triathlon (1.5km swim, 40km cycle, 10km run) which complements the long course event, and acts as Race 3 of the National Qualifying Series.

Both courses offer a challenging and unique race over a fast and flat terrain taking in some of Geelong’s iconic sights and spectacular waterfront, poised to lay the foundation as one of Victoria’s major regional events.

City of Greater Geelong Mayor Cr John Mitchell first announced the festival in 2010 and is excited about its’ continued growth within the region.

 “The Geelong Multi Sport Festival is well positioned as a major regional event in Victoria,” Mayor Mitchell said.

“The unique festival provides a tremendous boost for sport and community participation in the greater Geelong region. It’s great to watch the whole Waterfront come alive with stalls, sport and entertainment creating a fun festival atmosphere,” added Mayor Mitchell.

Another returning feature of the three day festival will be watching some of the world’s best triathletes contest the Elite National Championship Sprint Distance (750m swim, 20km cycle, 5km run). 

In addition to the above, Triathlon Australia has also nominated the URBAN Geelong Long Course as the Elite National Championships title race, as well as a selection race for age group competitors wanting to qualify for the World Championships.

USM EVENTS CEO Geoff Meyer said the event gives athletes another first-class triathlon, and would help strengthen the sport domestically.

“Geelong offers a truly world class venue to host this signature triathlon event on our national calendar and provide our age group athletes with a Long Course, and Olympic Distance event in their state while showcasing our elite ranks as they contest the Australian National Championships in Sprint and Long Distance title races,” Mr Meyer said.

The multi sport festival would not be complete without the return of a number of festival events. Local community support is paramount to the ongoing growth and development of this event and why a large emphasis is placed on the festival events that are essentially aimed at local participation.

With the festival events joining forces with the local community on all levels, supporting local philanthropic group, Give Where You Live, is a major priority in returning benefits to the region.

Entries to the Target Foreshore Fun Run supporting Give Where You Live, Geelong Independent Superkidz Triathlon, Special Tri, Target Enticer Corporate Triathlon supporting Give Where You Live, and the Geelong 1000 Bay Swim will also be opening for entries next Tuesday – there is something for everyone!

Entries for all Geelong Multi Sport Festival events will be open from 9am Tuesday 24 July AEST at www.geelongmultisport.com.au