BY ST E V E JAC KS O N
P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y D E L LY C A R R / H A M I LT O N I S L A N D P H O T O G R A P H Y
I
t’s a rare position in our heavily populated race calendar
to have a race that is truly unique. The Hamilton Island
Triathlon however, is just that, and alongside its stable mate,
the Whitehaven Beach Ocean Swim, celebrates its 10th
anniversary this year.
Cycling on a commercial runway is a unique race experience
here in Australia. With an early morning race start and cycle
leg cut-off to ensure there’s no crossover of two wheels and
jet planes, the Hamilton Island Triathlon bike leg involves a
three-loop course that includes over 3km on the pancake flat
airport runway. And whilst it’s not unusual for an event to have
a bike prime, the runway even has its own unique bike prime
– awarded to the cyclist who has the two most even runway
splits. The winner walks away with a fantastic carbon wheelset
courtesy of event partner Zipp. And whilst this sounds idyllic,
as the setting truly is, remember that airports are designed to
catch wind, and assist with plane take-offs. Rest assured there
will be a flat and fast ride….in one direction!
There’s ITU style racking with individualized magnetic name
plates that you take home, a surprise race gift, restricted fields
to ensure plenty of room, rubbing shoulders with elites who
are not separated on the race start nor in transition. This year
we see the return of Rio Olympian Ryan Fisher who raced
here as an aspiring junior in 2009 and finished second behind
Courtney Atkinson.
To make the journey truly worthwhile, pack a second event
in with the Whitehaven Beach Ocean Swim on the Sunday
morning. This race sees competitors transferred across to the
race start on one of the world’s top ten beaches. The swim is
parallel with the iconic white silica sand of Whitehaven Beach
and includes 2km and 750m options in addition to a Junior
350m event. There’s ample time to relax or perhaps chat
with the race ambassadors. Past champions include Ky Hurst
and Mack Horton, and Susie O’Neill is returning in 2018 to
participate and support her fellow competitors.
Hamilton Island is a great holiday destination, but it’s an even
better destination race. The tagline for its Endurance Series is
‘Push Yourself in Paradise’ and you can certainly find yourself
doing exactly that.
CHECK IT OUT
MULTISPORT MAGAZINE | 29