Teen Triathletes approved to enter Dirt n Dust triathlon

Outback Queensland opened its annual challenge of the country’s toughest sprint triathlon to teenage competitors for the first time with registrations for the 2016 Cannington Mine Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Triathlon now open.

The event – celebrating its 22nd running next April – is known worldwide for its short but gruelling course that includes an 800 metre swim through a muddy, yabby-infested creek; a 25 kilometre ride against a blistering headwind; and a 5 kilometre run through the tiny western town.

The Dirt n Dust Triathlon’s infamy has netted a lot of interest from rising multisport stars in recent years, prompting organisers to introduce a new category for 15 to 17 year-olds with appropriate triathlon experience in 2016.

Dirt n Dust Committee President Stephen Malone said as interest in multisport events continued to grow, so too had enquiries from younger competitors.

Malone explained “we had two high school students – Liam Simpson and Jordon Owen from Trinity Anglican School in Cairns compete with special permission in 2015 and Townsville’s Connor McKay before that.

“In all cases these young athletes finished very strongly and the Dirt n Dust Triathlon is proud to be supporting rising stars and the future of the sport.”

However, Julia Creek’s unique conditions do require some stricter safety precautions than the event’s coastal counterparts.

Malone adds “our course, particularly the cycle along the Flinders Highway, is very isolated and the hot conditions can prove challenging even for athletes competing at an international level.

“While many adults find the Dirt n Dust Triathlon a great distance for rookies, we are keen to uphold our solid safety record and will require any competitor under 18 to have triathlon experience before competing in Julia Creek.

“We’ve been working closely with Triathlon Queensland to ensure best practice is upheld, so that competitors of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy our iconic event.”

The Cannington Mine Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Triathlon will be held on Saturday 16th April, 2016.

For more information go to www.dirtndust.com 

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