ENTRIES are building quickly for the 2018 Kingston Triathlon and with just two weeks remaining, the local triathlon club is well prepared to celebrate its 30th year of the big event.
Beginning in 1988, the triathlon was a single-race event put together by a group of local volunteers.
Kingston Triathlon Club president Ali Stillwell said the event’s longevity is a credit to the hard-working volunteers and support from the local community.
“We receive many positive comments about the event, with the excellent location and crayfish prizes a highlight,” she said.
“The event has had the benefit of numerous committee members with an enthusiasm to see this rather unique sporting event succeed and become a regular fixture on the Kingston calendar.
“The local community gets a lot of enjoyment from the event each year also.”
Since 1988 the event has transformed, with it progressing to the level of hosting an ITU World Olympic distance age groups qualifying race and being part of the SA Olympic Distance Championship from 2007 to 2014.
The popular event has been part of the State Triathlon Series since 1991 and receives elite athlete entrants from all over competing.
“We will mark this anniversary with many prizes and commemorative awards,” Stillwell said.
“We hope to welcome past organisers, past participants and volunteers who have helped during the last 30 years to enjoy the day with us.”
Past participants Sid James and Kevin Fergusson will make the trek to Kingston for the celebrations.
James – who is the race director for the Victor Harbor triathlons and a big supporter of the Kingston Triathlon – will be competing with the help of his friend Fergusson.
“I plan to, with Kevin’s help compete in the Kingston standard distance, in a reasonable time,” he said.
“Kingston is an event that has a flat swim, cycle and run course, the entry fees are low compared to other events and it has the feel of a real country triathlon, yet it runs like a true professional organisation.”
James – who is a quadriplegic – is helped through the course by long-time friend and fellow competitor Fergusson.
“I think I have competed in approximately 15 (Kingston Triathlons) and unfortunately I have never won it but have been second quite a few times,” Fergusson said.
“There have only been a few minor changes to the event over the years and one of the best changes was to move the run up on to the bike path instead of running on the beach – the high tides and soft sand made this tricky at times.”
The seasoned competitors are no stranger to the gruelling task, having competed together in the Victor Harbor triathlon and a Half Ironman at Murray Bridge but this will be the first time competing together in the Kingston event.
Stillwell encouraged the region to jump on board and support the event which will support the coastal town.
This year Sunset Jazz is back featuring the Royal Australian Navy Band, kicking off at the historic Cape Jaffa Lighthouse near the main triathlon site at 5pm.
Visit www.kingstonsetriathlon.com or follow the Kingston SE Triathlon on Facebook for more information.
