The 2024 State Duathlon Championships are set to take place this Sunday, 13 October, at Champion Lakes, with the EXSS Sprint Duathlon welcoming athletes of all levels. This exciting event features several race distances, including the Sprint Distance (5km run, 20km bike, 2.5km run), giving participants the chance to compete for State Championship titles and accumulate valuable points towards the 2025 Multisport World Championships in Spain. For those new to the multisport world or better suited for short and fast racing there is also a Bolt Course (2.5km Run, 12km Bike, 1.25km Run) and the Novice/Kids Distance (1km run, 6km bike, 1km run). Open to all ages and experience level, this family-friendly race is designed to introduce young athletes and novices to the excitement of a duathlon in a supportive and welcoming environment.
Triathlon WA (Standard and Premium memberships) are eligible to vie for the State Championship title and World Championship qualification. This allows our local WA athletes the unique opportunity to earn their spot on the world stage, proudly wearing green and gold at the 2025 Multisport World Championships. Members in the 16 – 19 age group and above will need to compete in the Sprint Distance to be eligible, whilst the 12-13 & 14 – 15 age groups are to compete in the Bolt Distance.
This weekend’s State Duathlon Championships will showcase a host of WA’s top multisport talent, with fierce competition expected across both the open and age group categories.
In the Open category, keep an eye on Sian Munks and Rebecca Puccini (both UWA Tri Club) and Ava Henville (Exceed) in the women’s field. For the men, Luke Bate (UWA) is in top form, with strong recent training, while Oli Wright (Non-Club) and Josh Pedlow (Exceed) will be aiming to make their mark. Pedlow, who placed 4th in the 16-19 category last year, steps up to Open this year, taking advantage of the policy changes.
In the age group categories, standout athletes include Matt Geneieve, who finished 3rd in the 45-49 group last year, and Russel Harris, the returning State Champion in the 50-54 age group. Darryl Harris, who has moved up an age group, is set to challenge last year’s 3rd place finisher, Richard Burnell.
In the female 40-44 age group, a competitive race is expected, with Renee Blackstock (Armadale), who finished 3rd last year, aiming for the title. She’ll be up against strong contenders like Emma Moon and Melinda Evans (both Phoenix), Mariet Harper (XTR), and Sabine Bird (Non-Club). Additionally, Katherine Ryan (Stadium), who claimed 3rd place in the 2023/2024 Triathlete of the Year series, will also be in action.
Noleen Treen (Exceed), who took 2nd in the 65-69 category last year, will be looking to capture gold this time around.
For the junior athletes, Shayne Houghton (Non-Club) returns after placing 4th last year in the 16-19 age group, and Megan Macpherson and Gemma Gorton (both North Coast) move up to the older age category this year. In the same group, Team WA athletes Will Cramsie (North Coast), Caide Ellis (Mandurah), and Alexander Gardner (Non-Club) will compete for the State Champion title.
In the 12-13 and 14-15 age groups, athletes will compete in the Bolt Distance, bringing with them months of hard work from the WA Junior Pathway Program. Expect some fast and exciting racing from these young competitors as they test their skills on race day.
For those yet to sign up, make sure you do so before Wednesday evening to be eligible for State Championships and World Championship Qualification Points. Participants must be an Aus Triathlon member (Standard or Premium).
For more information on the event, membership eligibility, or to register, visit the Triathlon WA website or EXSS Sprint Duathlon.