Image above – Allan Pittman
The annual Hell of the West Weekend hosted by Goondiwindi Triathlon Club Inc. is set to go ahead in on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 March 2025, and the committee are in the process of bringing the 34th epic edition of Queensland’s toughest triathlon to life with an exciting new addition.
Along with many returning and first-time age group athletes vying for the Total Ag Services Hell of the West podium medals and bragging rights, this year a strong professional field brings to Goondiwindi an exciting mix of past winners including Josh Amberger, Richelle Hill and Pete Jacobs as well as veteran professionals and up and coming young professional athletes.
This year sees the introduction of the Allan Pitman Award for the fastest male and female age group athletes. Race Director, Tim Richards said “This new award pays homage to the remarkable, long-time advocate, fan and competitor of Hell of the West, Allan Pitman who passed away in late 2024. Allan will forever be remembered as a HOTW legend – a 28-time finisher and 28-time age group champion at our event.”
We are honoured to have members of Allan’s family attending and racing this year’s event for the inaugural presentation of this award, as well as Pete Jacobs, who was coached by Allan to his wins at HOTW 2008 & 2012 Ironman World Championship. Many past and current members of the East Coast Cycos Triathlon Club are also travelling to Goondiwindi to race in honour of Allan.
The Kenway and Clark Super Saturday has become a firm favourite and has continued to grow since it’s addition to the Hell of the West Weekend in 2018. Super Saturday is a family day that brings people together for fun and fitness but still provides the opportunity to push yourself.
There’s something for everyone including 5km and 10km charity runs, an enticer triathlon for people looking to ‘give triathlon a go’, and arguably the most loved Saturday fixture, the ‘Hell Kids’ event, a participation race for children aged 6-11 years. We welcome Kenway and Clark as the new naming rights sponsor for this event in 2025.
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”.
Image above – Allan Pitman
The Hell of the West Weekend Race Precinct located in Goondiwindi Town Park also has something to keep everyone satisfied and entertained. There will be food from The Larder, Shot 2U, Gluten Free Donuts, Dreamtime Nursery, Refreshments by CARE Goondiwindi, BBQ by Goondiwindi State Primary School, and ‘Hell Bar’ operated by Goondiwindi Junior Rugby Club.
Triathlon vendors will include Infinit, Gundy Bike Repair, Bowy Cycling Apparel, Allez Sports and I am Grounded. There will also be a jumping castle, snow cones and ice cream.
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 2025 Hell of the West Weekend, visit https://www.hellofthewest.com.
For media enquiries or interviews, please contact; Sally Poole, Media & Marketing Co-ordinator on 0458295125.
Image above – 2006 Cycos team
