MACKAY TRIATHLON FESTIVAL
20th & 21st SPETEMBER 2025
The Mackay Triathlon Festival is the highlight of our triathlon season, bringing together athletes, families, and fitness enthusiasts to the heart of Mackay.
Every September, we host this two-day event along the picturesque coastline, offering a unique blend of competitive spirit and community camaraderie set against a backdrop of pristine beaches and tropical scenery.
Our lineup includes something for everyone—including triathlon, duathlon, aquathlon & Aquabike options, to open-water swims, and a fun kids’ triathlon.
The Festival culminates with the Standard Distance Triathlon, challenging athletes with a 1.5km swim, 40km bike, and 10km run. With a focus on inclusivity, we welcome participants of all ages and experience levels, from first-timers to seasoned pros, to test their endurance and push their boundaries in a supportive, high-energy atmosphere.
Beyond the racecourse, the Mackay Triathlon Festival celebrates the rich local culture and stunning natural environment. Participants and spectators can enjoy event stalls, community showcases, and post-race gatherings that create a true festival vibe, giving athletes and families a chance to connect and celebrate their achievements.
Whether you’re here to compete, support, or simply enjoy the excitement, the Mackay Triathlon Festival promises an unforgettable weekend. Dive into the adventure, make lasting memories, and experience the unmatched beauty of the Mackay region with us!
What, When & Where on Race Day?
Mackay Triathlon Club welcomes all triathlete levels, and we’re more than happy to help newbies throughout our races. Whether it’s your first or last race, we’ve put together a step by step guide as to what you will have to do, where and when on race day.
Our race is sanctioned with Triathlon Australia and all competitors are covered by either their Triathlon Australia Membership for those with a Standard or Premium membership, or by paying the One Day Licence fee with registration.
LATE ENTRIES
Late Entries will be taken Saturday afternoon at the Check-In Marquee for Saturday & Sundays races – Sundays races after 2pm please
Wetsuits/Stinger Suits
Generally the wearing of wetsuits will depend on the measurements taken by the TQ Official on race morning. If the temperature of the water is 22 degrees Celsius or above; wetsuits shall NOT be allowed and notice will be posted on race morning and confirmation given at briefing.
In your race kit you will be issued:
Event Towel
Swim Cap
Timing Chip are to be collected on checking prior to racing on each day
Under special circumstances, should you be unable to collect your race kit during the above mentioned time on Saturday, please contact us at to arrange an alternative pick up time or a nominated person to pick up your kit.
Timing Chip – It is essential that you return the timing band at the conclusion of the event to the timing team. If the band is not returned a fee of $75 will be charged.
– No bikes are racked on Saturday.
– A TQ official will check your bike for safety.
– You must have your number attached to the seat post
– Have your helmet on, securely fastened with your helmet sticker on the front
– Have your Arm tattoo on
– Arrange your gear on the chaining side of your bike.
– Bikes will be racked by the back wheel in the ITU style racks or by the seat (traditional racks).
– Please leave a 2m space between all bikes, a TQ official will be available
– Check your tyre pressure
– No Bags are to be left in the transition area-they will be removed by the TQ official pre race if left
– There is a baggage tent next to the timing tent where your items will be secure for the duration of your race.
– Once you have dropped off your bike and race items, please move out of the transition area
EVENT SCHEDULE
| SATURDAY | |
| MARKETING TENTS | 1:30PM – 4:00PM |
| OCEAN SWIMS | |
| CHECK IN & LATE ENTRIES | 1:30PM |
| RACE BRIEFING | 1:45PM |
| RACE START-ALL DISTANCES | 2:00PM |
| MINI KIDS | |
| CHECK IN & LATE ENTRIES | 2:30PM |
| RACE BRIEFING | 2:45PM |
| RACE START-ALL DISTANCES | 3:00PM |
| RACE PACK COLLECTION for Sunday | 2:00PM-4:00pm |
| PRESENTATIONS | After all swimmers in Ocean Swims are finished |
| SUNDAY | |
| MARKETING TENTS | 7:00AM – 10:00AM |
| CHECK IN-ALL ATHLETES | 5:30AM-6:15AM |
| BIKE RACKING-ALL ATHLETES | 5:30AM-6:15AM |
| RACE BRIEFING-ALL ATHLETES | 6:15AM |
| STANDARD START-Males | 6:35AM |
| STANDARD START-Females/Teams | 6:40AM |
| SPRINT | 6:45AM |
| ENTICER | 6:50AM |
| RACE PRESENTATIONS-ALL EVENTS | 10:30AM |
Swim Leg
You will need to allow time to walk the full swim distance up the beach away from the swim exit to each distances start flag in time for your race start time as above.
The swim is 50m out to the marker, and then a straight line to the final marker at the surf club, 50m back to the beach to transition
The swim buoys mark the course, look up for direction and if you are ever in trouble raise one arm for the water safety to assist you. Depending on the conditions, the swim start may be a deep water start or a beach start.
Swim to Bike Transition
Competitors try to do this as quickly as possible, taking off a wet suit (if applicable) and racing in swimmers, tri suits or tri kits. Always clip on your helmet before taking your bike off the rack.
Bike Exit
Jog or walk your bike to the bike exit where, once your bike is on the road, there is a mount sign and a line indicating you can get on your bike. Take care of other competitors. It is often wise to move down the road ahead of the competitor traffic at the line to get yourself some space!
Bike Course – Road Closures
Sections of the course have partial closure. Please stay left unless overtaking and be always aware of any parked vehicle, pedestrians or resident’s vehicles which may be on the course. Please pay attention to race officials at all times.
When passing, call out “On your right” before you pass
Bike to Run Transition
Return bike to your rack before taking off your helmet, put on running shoes and run to the run exit.
Run Exit
A sign clearly marks the run exit but if you are ever confused please ask a transition official.
Run Course
There is a drink station at the lighthouse Restaurant and midway out on the breakwater.
Finish
The best part of the race! The timing transponder mats are underneath the finish arch, and your foot (with the band attached) must pass over these plates. Once you cross the line proceed through the chutes towards the marshals who will remove your timing band.
Recovery Area & Food Packs
Fruit and water recovery product will be available in the Recovery Area post race
Removing your bike from the Transition area
The transition area will be reopened again after the last competitor exits for their run leg. When you take your bike out of the transition area please ensure that you show both your ID wristband and your bike numbers to the officials at the transition exit.
PRESENTATIONS
Presentations will be held at the Mackay Surf Club at approx. 10.30am. Please join us in supporting the athletes. If you have finished racing and think you placed, you are more than welcome to go home for shower or some food and come back at 10.30.
We have over $11,000 in cold hard cash spread accross all events! so stick around to ensure you claim your cash!
PRIZE RANDOM DRAWSW
We also have over $5,000 in random draw prizes that will be given away during presentations. All athletes will be required to please thier name on thier tear off strip on their race number and place it in the bucket at the presentatin area (for those in the Ocean Swim please see Club officials as you will not receive a race bib.
You MUST be present at the draw to claim any prize, no one can claim it on your behalf. why? because we want as many peop0le to hang around for presentations as possible creating a great vibe and photo opportunities for our generous sponsors!
Looking forward to seeing you at the Mackay Multisport Festival