Corey Bacon says Canberra is ready to host world-class triathlons. Photo: Corey Bacon Facebook.
Well-known Canberra triathlon coach Corey Bacon has no doubt the city is hungry for international competition.
The ACT lends itself well to the sport with picturesque landscapes, prominent sites and diverse gradients, yet Canberra hasn’t hosted a major triathlon event for a decade.
Despite this absence, Corey has long believed in the city’s ability to stage a significant triathlon festival.
Corey Bacon with rising triathlete Chloe Bateup. Photo: Supplied.
He has backed his conviction by buying the rights to the Challenge Family triathlon, an event that began life in Germany before growing into one of the biggest triathlon brands in the world.
“The Canberra triathlon, with three distances, is the only Challenge event in Australia and we will be taking advantage of the unique landscape with the lake, the undulating hills and the National Arboretum, which will feature prominently in the course,” Corey said.
The first event of the Challenge Canberra Triathlon will be contested on 26 November with a series of races including middle, Olympic, sprint, middle distance aqua bike and a kids’ aquathon.
With $25,000 prizemoney up for grabs, there is already plenty of interest.
“We have already received 400 entries,” Corey said. “The men’s world number 10 from Denmark and the women’s world ranked 13 from the UK have entered.
“There is also interest from a number of professionals, racing and age groupers from all over Australia. Local clubs in Canberra have embraced the event, as has Triathlon ACT.”
Corey Bacon (back), with Nic Beveridge in 2015 following Nic’s win in the Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney. Photo: Corey Bacon Facebook.
As event owner and race director, Corey has invested plenty of time, effort and money into the Canberra Challenge Triathlon. But he is looking for more partners to make it an even bigger event.
“I’m looking for sponsors and partners. I’m looking for people interested in being involved. The Challenge brand has a global reach.”
Champion ACT triathlete Penny Slater has been appointed an ambassador for the Canberra race, as has fellow professional Caleb Noble.
Noble has already succeeded this year in Challenge events globally.
Champion triathlete Caleb Noble has signed on as an ambassador for Challenge Canberra. Photo: Caleb Noble Facebook.
If Corey’s commitment to the event is anything to go by, Canberra will be back on the triathlon map in November.
He is already looking to amplify next year’s event and is scheduled to meet with the ACT Government to discuss how it can be expanded in 2024.
Up for the Challenge? Find out more at Challenge Canberra.
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