Gold Coast to focus on triathlon this weekend at the Luke Harrop Memorial

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Triathlon Australia, April 9, 2013: Southport Broadwater Parkland will play host to over 2000 triathletes at the Gold Coast Triathlon – Luke Harrop Memorial this Sunday 14 April 2013.

There is an event and distance to suit all ages and abilities on the line-up; Gold Coast Triathlon, Gold Coast Enticer and one just for the kids – Gold Coast Superkidz Tri.

2003 marked the inception of the Gold Coast Triathlon – Luke Harrop Memorial, following the tragic death of Luke Harrop in January 2002, a Gold Coast resident and one of Australia's most respected triathletes. Since then, the Gold Coast Triathlon has grown in stature and has become a must-do event on the race calendar.

The Luke Harrop Memorial Bursary offers $1000 to each male and female Under 23 athlete for the race win and a bonus $1500 for the series winner. The three races in the series were Luke’s favourite races – Mooloolaba Triathlon, Noosa Triathlon and Gold Coast Triathlon.

Returning to take part in her brothers’ race once again, Olympic silver medallist Loretta Harrop who will compete as part of a team along with two females that Harrop coached in 2012, Naomi Lipscombe and Belinda Paige.

“I’m certainly well and truly in a different place to when I was an elite triathlete. The one race I do compete in is the Luke Harrop Memorial which obviously means a great deal to myself and to my family.

“I feel happy and in a good place. My family and I look forward to this race now every year to celebrate Luke’s love of life with his friends and to share stories of old,” Harrop said.

Among this weekend’s field of seasoned triathletes, weekend warriors and first timers to the sport, Luke Harrop’s best friends will also take to the course and pay tribute to their mate, remembering his zest for life and the race that Luke loved so much.

Many of Luke’s best mates will be toeing the line in the Mates Wave to remember him, Malcolm Coote, Tyron Easterbrook, John Warner and Levi Maxwell.

Two of his best friends former world champion Chris Hill and Nino Calabro won’t be racing however will be there supporting and cheering their mates on.

Another one of Luke’s mates, Toby Coote, has had the honour of commentating at the memorial event over many years and holds the role very dear to him.

“What we love about the race is we see Luke’s Dad, Russell Harrop, with a smile on his face, celebrating Luke. It is why these guys come back and race this event every year.

“The joy is everyone coming back together and sharing the one bond we all have – being a mate of Luke,” said Mr Coote.

In the open men’s race junior triathlete Declan Wilson will be the man to watch and will be ardent to snare a podium finish.

The young gun recently took out the Mooloolaba ITU Triathlon Oceania Cup title in March and was also granted with the Luke Harrop Memorial at the event.

Gold Coaster Kye Wylde will also have his eye on the prize. The 16-year old has climbed the ranks of being a Gold Coast Superkid, a Gold Coast Enticer and is now a seasoned triathlete ready to prove his worth.

A couple of notable international athletes are also on the start list for Sunday’s race; Mexican Luis Guillermo Arriaga and Germany’s Mario Schierok.

In the open women’s field, 21-year old Courtney Dutton is set to be the race favourite. With such a strong bike and run combination Dutton is going to be tough competition for her opponents.

Jessica Corliess will be searing competition for Gillian Backhouse and Annelise Jefferies, all girls will be fervent to run away with the win and the Luke Harrop Bursary.

Corliess, who trains at the Redcliffe Triathlon Club, is a young gun moving through the ranks and recently finished in second place in National Schools Championship in April.

There is an increasing number of Para Triathletes competing in events now that we are now catering for as athletes aim for the Paralympics in 2016 which will be held in Rio de Janiero. This will be in the first time that Triathlon will be included in the Paralympics Program.

Para athletes racing on Sunday:
Andrew Gibson, Rothwell, QLD

The Gold Coast Enticer and Gold Coast Superkidz Triathlon are also on the event timetable and give participants an opportunity to try a tri!

It doesn’t matter how good they are at sport, these events offer participants to challenge themselves, get healthy and active and give it a go!

The event kicks off on Saturday with athlete check-in, Tri Clinics and Expo to explore.

Racing gets underway from 6.45am on Sunday.

Sunday 14 April 2013

6.45am Gold Coast Superkidz Triathlon start
7.00am* Gold Coast Enticer Start
7.30am* Gold Coast Triathlon Start

Gold Coast Triathlon Distances:
Gold Coast Triathlon 750m swim / 20km cycle / 5km run
Gold Coast Enticer Tri 300m swim / 10km cycle / 2.5km run
Gold Coast Superkidz Tri 100m swim / 2km cycle / 400m run

For entries or event information visits www.goldcoasttri.com.au .

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Ian Hanson