No sprint triathlon in the country is quite as tough as the hot, windy, and dusty South32 Julia Creek Senior Triathlon. The bucket list triathlon is back for the 24th year in 2018.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It’s the shining event on outback Queensland’s annual calendar; where thousands of visitors flock to spend three days of fun, sport and entertainment, literally in the middle of nowhere.
While most triathlons have scenic views, coastal breezes and fresh cool water, the Julia Creek Dirt n Dust triathlon has muddy creek water, loney Outback highways and searing hot bitumen in its three race legs.
Each year hundreds of Australia’s fair dinkum toughest triathletes test their mettle in the heart of the Queensland Outback in the tri. The iconic triathlon, which is just as much about bragging rights as it is about podium finishes, has been completed by triathletes and olympians like Brad Beven, Loretta Harrop, Courtney Atkinson, Liz Blatchford and Emma Jackson.
The triathlon, which will celebrate its 25th year next year, consists of a 800m swim in the town’s Eastern Creek, a 25km ride down the windy Flinders Highway and a 5km run through the centre of town.
A mere 15 people participated in the very first Julia Creek Dirt n Dust triathlon, those numbers now top 300+. A junior triathlon was run in conjunction with the seniors, proving our young athletes were just as tough.
Registrations have opened for the 2018 event with dedicated Dirt n Dust fans already securing their spot in the iconic tri.
“I think people are drawn to Dirt n Dust because it’s not just a triathlon, it’s an experience” says Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Committee President Stephen Malone.
“It’s three days of events and really true blue Outback activities. The triathlon alone is just one of those bucket list items, not everyone can say they’ve completed one of the toughest courses in the country.”
“And if you pair that with all the other experiences, I think that’s why people come back year after year.”
Other key events include novelty events, bull riding, horse racing, exclusive Country Tastes Luncheon, nightly concerts and loads of country style entertainment and hospitality.
The 2018 Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival will be held on April 13-15, 2018. For more information, and to register, go to www.dirtndust.com