The annual event attracted more than 1000 participants from more than 50 clubs across the state on March 24.

“Triathlon is a very individual sport, but once a year we get the opportunity to compete together as a club, this year we took a team of 20 to this year’s championship run,” Kiama triathlete Geoff Besnard said. 

Kiama won the NSW Division 3 Championship for teams with 80 or less members.

Athletes competed over the club distance of 1km swim, 30km bike and 8km run. The higher each competitor finishes in their age group, the more points they earn for their club. The club with the highest points total, wins the division.

“There were 14 other clubs in our division. We also finished third outright in the country division, beating several Division 1 and Division 2 teams,” Besnard said.

“It is the first time a team from the South Coast has won a state championship.”

Kiama Triathlon Club supports and encourages multi-sport athletes, to offer them a safe supportive environment for training and to reach out to the community to encourage active lifestyles.

They have about 45 active members who regularly train with members of the other local clubs, including Illawarra and Shellharbour. 

“We hold a timed training triathlon on the first Sunday of each month from 7.30am at the Minnamurra Bridge on Riverside Drive,” Besnard said. 

“We welcome everyone and encourage anyone who would like to know more about it, to come along and dip their toe in the water.”

The club’s focus now shifts to Port Macquarie, where seven members will race over the Iron Man Distance in May.

The World Triathlon Championships will be held on the Gold Coast in September, Kiama has seven club members likely to be named in the Australian team, with places to be confirmed in mid-April.

Selection is based on a series of qualifying races which have been held across various states over the last four months.