HUNDREDS of junior triathletes from across the sunshine state are beelining it to Hervey Bay for the Queensland School Sport Triathlon Championships.
Around 700 student athletes will test their speed and stamina on Friday and Saturday this week.
2021 is the ninth year in a row that Hervey Bay has hosted the event, which culminates with the naming of the Queensland School Sport Triathlon Team on Saturday.
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Fraser Coast Regional Council Deputy Mayor Darren Everard said it was always a pleasure to welcome back such events, as well as the next crop of athletes, to the region.
Cr Everard hoped the triathlon would be one of several sporting events heading to the region this year.
“Hosting state and national sporting events here has many benefits. The visiting competitors inject millions into the regional economy and local athletes get to see elites in action,” he said.
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Cr Everard explained that such events also bring a sense of normality to our lives as we recover from COVID-19.
Spectators are welcome to watch the athletes swim, ride and run the course, which includes some action on the foreshore and Esplanade.
However, he urged those who head to the sidelines to cheer on the athletes to remember the importance of being COVID safe.
“If you do go to watch the athletes as they compete for a spot in the Queensland team, please remember to be COVID safe by socially distancing and washing your hands regularly.”
Meanwhile, motorists can expect some disruptions to traffic in the vicinity of the race route.
The Esplanade, used for the cycling sections of the races, will be closed to traffic between Bideford and Churchill streets from 7am to 11.30am on Friday and 7am to midday on Saturday.
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Bill Fraser Park and the car park at the Torquay boat ramp will also be closed for the next three days.
Council said a steady stream of sporting events was planned for the region; including a visit from the Brisbane Roar Football Club, the Touch Football State Cup, the Joeys Mini World Cup, an Intrust Super Cup rugby league game and the ultra355 triathlon.