The annual Hell of the West Weekend hosted by Goondiwindi Triathlon Club Inc. is set to go ahead in on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th March 2024, and the committee look forward to bringing another epic edition of Queensland’s toughest triathlon to life!
With 300 individuals and 60 teams vying for the Hell of the West podium medals and bragging rights, some of triathlon’s biggest names are returning to Goondiwindi. Seven-time Champion and un-official Queen of Hell of the West, Sarah Crowley, will be returning to Goondiwindi after a few years absence and hopes to make it her eighth win.
Race Director, Tim Richards said, “We are excited to welcome back some large groups from triathlon clubs located not only in Queensland, but also NSW and Victoria, as well as a huge number of Goondiwindi Triathlon Club local athletes, all vying for the hotly contested Neil Pagey Award – for the club with the largest number of athletes, and the new Goondiwindi Tri Club Spirit Award. Having large groups from visiting Triathlon Clubs brings a great atmosphere to the event and really showcases grassroots triathlon to the local and wider community”.
The NH Foods Super Saturday has become a firm favourite and has continued to grow since it’s addition in 2018. It’s a real family day bringing people together for fun and fitness but still provides the opportunity to push yourself too. There’s something for everyone including a 5km and 10km charity run, an enticer triathlon for people looking to ‘give triathlon a go’, and arguably the most loved ‘Hell Kids’ event, a participation race for children aged 6-11 years. We welcome NH Foods as the new naming rights sponsor for this event.
Tim said, “Support from the local community is what drives this event. We have over 300 volunteers that help to facilitate the race as well as strong support from local sponsors and the business community. The Goondiwindi Tri Club comprising over 100 members helps to produce the event every year. Without everyone, we couldn’t facilitate the event at the standard we do”.
The Hell of the West Weekend Race Precinct located in Goondiwindi Town Park will this year feature food from The Larder and triathlon vendors Custom Bike Fit, TLR Race Wheels, Bowy Cycling Apparel and Foher Co Premium Triathlon Apparel
The “Hell of the West” began life in 1989 as a short course event co-founded by local novice triathletes, Lex Dreier and David Vincent. The first race comprised of 40 athletes. In 1990, the event quickly transitioned to a long course, comprising a 2km swim, 80km bike ride and 20km run, to establish national recognition. Over Thirty years later, the event continues to operate and is more widely facilitated by the Goondiwindi Tri Club, Triathlon Queensland, Goondiwindi Regional Council and support from tourism-based industry bodies, Southern Queensland Country Tourism and Tourism Events Queensland. With visitors and guests participating in events across the weekend, the festival attracts in excess of 2,500 people to the region contributing an estimated $400,000 with direct economic and tourism impact.
For more information or to enter the 2024 Hell of the West Weekend, visit https://www.hellofthewest.com/
For media enquiries or interviews, please contact; Sally Poole, Media & Marketing Co-ordninator on 0458295125.
