GLOUCESTER Mountain Man Tri Challenge will be held on 13 September, marking the 32nd anniversary of the gruelling athletic event, which began in 1991.
There have only been three years when the event has not been held.
This year, more than 210 people have registered, with 75 competing as individuals and a further 45 teams taking part.
Some individuals have registered to compete in the run leg only.
In addition to locals from the Gloucester district, competitors from as far away as Sydney, the Central Coast, Mid Coast, Port Stephens and Newcastle will take on the challenge.
What makes the challenge unique is that much of the course is cross-country.
Organiser Sam De Witt explained to News of the Area that the cycling leg for individual competitors commences at 8am at the southern end of Boundary Road, while teams start at 8.30am.
“Much of the 22-kilometre course, which finishes at Rocky Crossing, is through mountain roads, creek beds, cattle tracks, rainforest and open country,” he said.
“We appreciate the property owners who support the event by granting access to their land. They are an integral part of the event.”
At Rocky Crossing, competitors swap bikes for kayaks and paddle 11 kilometres down the Barrington River to Barrington Bridge.
There, competitors transition to a nine-kilometre cross-country run to the Gloucester Number One Oval.
“This is a whole community event which brings people to Gloucester every year,” Sam De Witt said.
“It contributes to the local economy but, more importantly, people have a great time and return year after year.”
The fee to enter is $174 for individuals and $240 for teams.
The cost includes the Carb Dinner at the Gloucester Recreation Centre on Saturday, 12 September.
The meal, prepared by Gloucester CWA Evening Branch, is designed to provide competitors with the fuel their bodies will need to stay the course.
It will commence at 6pm, following the briefing of competitors at 5pm.
“The event couldn’t happen without the support of our generous sponsors and volunteers,” Sam said.
Sam De Witt encouraged anyone who would like to volunteer at the event to phone him on 0417 656 201.
“We need people at water stations, people to man gates and people to direct competitors when necessary,” he said.
Those interested in competing can enrol via the Humanitix event page.
By Marilyn SANDERSON
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
