Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival

Mooloolaba Triathlon

Start with a splash in the tropical waters off Mooloolaba Beach, spin down the Sunshine Coast Motorway, and finish along the Esplanade, which stretches from one beautiful beach to another, whether you like to stroll or sprint.

This race is one of the 2026 Australian Age Group Standard Distance Triathlon Team National Selection Events to qualify for the 2026 World Triathlon Age Group Triathlon World Championships in Wollongong, NSW.

As per the Australian triathlon race competition rules, age determination for all categories is determined by age on December 31st during the triathlon season. The current Australian triathlon season runs from September 2025 to March 2026. Therefore, age categories are determined by age on December 31st, 2024.

Swim
The Swim is a 1500m ‘flag’ shaped swim course with the swim start located on the eastern end of Mooloolaba Main Beach. Athletes will swim in an anti-clockwise direction with the first turn buoy at 350 metres, with swimmers completing two left-hand turns before returning to shore. If you want to warm up before your race starts, there’s plenty of water to the right of the swim course to turn the arms over.

Bike
Call us cheeky, but we love that the Sunshine Coast Motorway gets locked down for us. It gives us a unique chance to take on a slick, fast and flat course. The 40km Bike out and back course starts with one little pinch of a climb to the motorway. It is 20km to the turnaround point and return to transition. As always, when you’re coming into the transition area, take it a little easy.

Run
The Run Course is a two-lap course that runs clockwise, taking in some of the Sunshine Coast’s most scenic coastal views.

Sprint Triathlon

With a 750m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run, the sprint distance will hit the sweet spot whether you want a lung buster or a taste of triathlon.

Who should do the sprint triathlon?
The sprint triathlon is a great event for everyone. It’s perfect for beginners keen to have their first crack at a triathlon and experienced athletes who want to race against the clock.

This is a non-drafting race.

Swim
The 750-meter swim course, with the swim start located on the eastern end of Mooloolaba Main Beach, is a ‘flag’-shaped course that runs in an anti-clockwise direction. The first turn buoy is at 350 metres, and swimmers complete two left-hand turns before returning to shore.

Bike
Athletes will then cycle up and over Alexandra Headlands, completing three laps of the course.

Run
To finish the event, athletes will run the one-lap course clockwise, taking in some of the Sunshine Coast’s most scenic coastal views.

Aquabike

Start with a splash in the tropical waters off Mooloolaba Beach, then spin down the Sunshine Coast Motorway towards the finish line.

This race is the Australian Standard Distance Aquabike Championships and is a World Qualifying Event for the 2026 World Triathlon Age Group Triathlon World Championships in Wollongong, NSW.

Swim
The Swim is a 1500m ‘flag’ shaped swim course with the swim start located on the eastern end of Mooloolaba Main Beach. Athletes will swim in an anti-clockwise direction with the first turn buoy at 350 metres, with swimmers completing two left-hand turns before returning to shore. If you want to warm up before your race start, there’s plenty of water to the right of the swim course to turn the arms over.

Bike
Call us cheeky, but we love that the Sunshine Coast Motorway gets locked down for us. It gives us a unique chance to take on a slick, fast and flat course. The 40km Bike and back course starts with one little pinch of a climb out to the motorway. It is 20km to the turnaround point and return to transition. As always, take it a little easy when you’re coming into the transition area.

Mooloolaba Sport & Lifestyle Expo

The Mooloolaba Sport & Lifestyle expo is an exciting celebration of all things Multisport & Triathlon!

Featuring numerous brands and businesses, the super-popular expo is a highlight of the event weekend and is the place to see and learn about the latest and greatest tech, products, and great deals. You’ll find everything you need!

The Mooloolaba Sport & Lifestyle Expo is a two-day event in the event hub, with an Expo, Merch, and Check-in all in one location. It is open to the public, supporters, and athletes.

Check-In

Athlete Check-in is Friday 13 March and Saturday 14 March; please refer to the Event Schedule for times.

We will be operating Athlete Check-In and bike racking by appointment only. When entering the event, check-in and Bike racking times are selected.

Please bring your Photo ID (Driver’s Licence, Passport, etc) to check you in and give you your race kit.

While we love mates who look out for mates, unfortunately, you can’t check in on behalf of someone else. It’s illegal for someone else to compete under your name or for you to compete under someone else’s name. This is for the safety of yourself and all competitors and we must know who is on the course at all times. Please ensure the right team members/individuals are listed on your entry – this can be changed at the Help Desk at Check-In.

Teams Check-In – Only one team member is required to attend Check-In, but it is recommended that all attend if possible. We can change/add competitors details at the help desk at Check-In.

In your race kit, you will be issued:

• Race Bib Number (to be worn on the run)
• Bike Seat Post Number Sticker
• Helmet Number Sticker
• Number tattoos (individual athletes and team runners only)
• ID Wristband (Teams will receive three wristbands, 1 for each team member)
• Timing Band
• Coloured swim cap

Swim Starts

The Mooloolaba Triathlon will again have a Rolling Category Start for all distances. Based on their projected swim times, athletes will seed themselves within their respective categories or age groups.

Within each rolling category start there will be 4 Start Zones. You can avoid being overtaken by stronger swimmers by seeding yourself with athletes of a similar skill and ability level.

STANDARD DISTANCE
The four Start Zones are:

• Zone 1 – Under 28 minutes
• Zone 2 – Between 28 – 31 minutes
• Zone 3 – Between 31 – 35 minutes
• Zone 4 – Over 35 minutes

SPRINT DISTANCE
The four Start Zones are:

• Zone 1 – Under 13 minutes
• Zone 2 – Between 13 – 17 minutes
• Zone 3 – Between 17 – 21 minutes
• Zone 4 – Over 21 minutes

Transition

Please refer to the Event Schedule for Bike Racking Times.

Sprint Triathlon – Must rack bikes on Friday

Standard Distance, Aquabike and Relay Teams – Must rack bikes on Saturday

To enter transition, your bike must display your seat post sticker, and you must wear the corresponding ID wristband found in your Race Kit (which you collect at Check-In).

AusTriathlon officials will visually inspect your bike. This is not a guarantee of safety. Competitors are responsible for their bikes’ safe working order. You should ensure your bike and helmet are in safe working order before presenting to transition.

Security will be on patrol Friday night, Saturday night, and Sunday morning. It’s a good idea to take a photo of where your bike is racked in transition or add a colourful ribbon. The end of the racks will be numbered.