FEATURE STORY
PRISTINE WHITE BEACHES . CRYSTAL CLEAR WATERS . A BREATHTAKING MOUNTAINOUS INTERIOR .
HAMILTON ISLAND IS BEST KNOWN AS A PLACE TO RELAX . BUT IT IS ALSO THE PERFECT PLACE TO PUSH YOURSELF IN PARADISE .
The Hamilton Island Endurance series spans four endurance events from May through to November . The Hamilton Half Marathon , Great Whitehaven Beach Run , Hamilton Island Triathlon and the Whitehaven Beach Ocean Swim tests athletes on all levels .
Multisport Magazine had the privilege of being on the Island for the weekend of the triathlon and ocean swim . It ’ s a tough gig we know , but someone had to do it !
Following a short direct flight from Brisbane , the island immediately greets you with its beauty and charm . Flying in over the Whitsunday Islands , you could see the excitement on the faces of the many triathletes on board . “ We ’ re actually going to race here ?” one athlete said . Another replied , “ Don ’ t be fooled by the beauty – she ’ s a tough course ,” as we flew over some tricky looking hills on the descent onto the island .
Swapping the plane for the golf buggy ( the island ’ s main form of transport ), we headed to the Reef View Hotel , overlooking the beautiful Catseye Beach and this was our base for the weekend . It was the perfect location for watching all of the weekend ’ s action , overlooking transition , the swim course and the finish line – it was an easy one for the spectator .
You are spoilt for choice with things to do on the island , from watersports to fine dining , it has it all . Throw in the action packed program of The Hamilton Island Endurance Series , and there is an abundance of activities , clinics and events to take part in .
The weekend kicked off with a cycle clinic on Friday afternoon , hosted by cycling expert Mike Clucas . Throughout the weekend those in attendance at all clinics had the exciting opportunity to rub shoulders with ambassadors of the event , Ryan Bailie , Jake Birkwhistle , Emma Jeffcoat , Natalie Van Coevorden and Sophie Malowiecki . It was refreshing to see the elite taking the time out to give back and work with those newer to the sport .
Later that afternoon Craig Jackson , coach of Olympic Gold medalist Mack Horton and coach Steven Moss led ‘ Swim with the Stars ’ – an intimate clinic giving participants race tips and the opportunity to take a dip at Catseye Beach with Olympians Susie O ’ Neill and Mack Horton .
The opening day concluded with ‘ Carbs on the Coach ’ – carb loading with a twist . Participants were treated to dinner overlooking Catseye Beach and had the opportunity to hear stories from Olympians and professionals of the sport competing over the weekend . The Fujifilm Hamilton Island Triathlon cut no corners , and from the clinics to the food it was already clear to see that Event Manager Stephen Jackson didn ’ t do things by halves , and the opening day set the tone for the remainder of the weekend .
PHOTO : HAMILTON ISLAND PHOTOGRAPHY
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