Noosa Triathlon Celebrates 41st Anniversary

As the sun rose over the picturesque coastal town of Noosa, the air buzzed with anticipation. The Noosa Triathlon, a gem in the crown of Olympic-distance events, celebrated its 41st anniversary, continuing to draw athletes from across the globe. This year, a staggering 8,000 participants lined up at the start, each ready to tackle the 1.5-km swim, 40-km bike, and 10-km run.

Women's Race

The spotlight was firmly on Ashleigh Gentle, a seasoned competitor whose name has become synonymous with resilience and excellence in the triathlon world. Gentle, a two-time Olympian, not only claimed her 11th title at Noosa but also marked her 10th consecutive victory, a testament to her enduring dominance and strategic prowess. Starting 10th out of the water, she pedaled and paced her way to the front during the bike leg, eventually crossing the finish line with a staggering 10-minute lead over her closest competitors, Richelle Hill and Natalie Van Coevorden. Gentle's extraordinary performance would have placed her seventh in the men's pro race, underscoring her exceptional athletic caliber.

Top Female Athletes

Ashleigh Gentle – 1:46:57
Richelle Hill – 1:56:58
Natalie Van Coevorden – 1:58:49
Sophie Malowiecki – 1:59:01
Tara Sosinski – 1:59:20
Nicole Van Der Kaay – 2:01:39
Chloe Hartnett – 2:02:26
Lotte Wilms – 2:04:05
Charlotte McShane – 2:04:15
Mikayla Messer – 2:04:33

Men's Race

The race was equally thrilling. Brayden Mercer, a 20-year-old phenom making his Noosa debut, emerged from the water in the lead. The young Australian showcased his racing acumen by jockeying for position against seasoned athletes like South Africa’s Jamie Riddle and New Zealand’s Tayler Reid. Mercer took control in the early stages of the run and maintained his lead, clinching his first title in a remarkable debut performance.

Top Male Athletes

Brayden Mercer – 1:43:20
Tayler Reid – 1:43:58
Luke Willian – 1:44:15
Jamie Riddle – 1:44:27
Jake Birtwhistle – 1:45:30
Kurt McDonald – 1:46:08
Caleb Noble – 1:47:53
Jack Sosinski – 1:48:43
Jack Crome – 1:49:02
Joe Begbie – 1:49:22

The Noosa Triathlon not only celebrated athletic prowess but also highlighted the spirit of triathlon—combining the relentless challenge of swim-bike-run with the scenic beauty of Noosa. Each athlete, whether a seasoned pro like Gentle or a promising newcomer like Mercer, contributed to a narrative of endurance, strategy, and passion, which is what makes this event a cornerstone of the triathlon calendar.

As we reflect on these remarkable performances, it's clear that the Noosa Triathlon remains a beacon for athletes worldwide, promising competition, community, and personal bests in one of the most beautiful settings on earth. Whether you're a veteran of the sport or a newcomer eager to make your mark, Noosa continues to be a place where legends are made and limits are tested.

What is the Noosa Triathlon?

The Noosa Triathlon is one of the world's most prestigious Olympic-distance triathlon races, celebrating its 41st anniversary in 2024. It consists of a 1.5-km swim, a 40-km bike ride, and a 10-km run.