The world’s largest Olympic distance triathlon festival is back to full capacity. About 11,000 competitors are set to line up for events in the Noosa Triathlon festival over the coming days.

The event sees international athletes racing at Noosa for the first time since 2019, after being restricted by the impacts of COVID. The 2020 edition was cancelled.

About 7000 people will take part in this year’s feature race, which consists of a 1.5km swim, 40km ride and 10km run, on Sunday.

Premier and Minister for the 2032 Olympics, Annastacia Palaszczuk, said the triathlon would inject more than $22 million into to the local economy.

“The Noosa Triathlon is a pinnacle sporting event, ranked in the top 10 triathlons in the world,” she said in a statement.

“The event brings tens of thousands of people to the region each year, supporting nearly one million direct visitor nights and providing a valuable boost to local businesses.”

The Premier said it was a perfect event, a decade out from the Olympic Games.

“In the golden runway to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Queensland is forging ahead in cementing the state as the top destination to host world-class events,” she said.

Managing Director of The IRONMAN Group Oceania, Geoff Meyer, welcomed athletes to the Noosa Triathlon, in its 39th year.

“This is an event that is incredibly important not only to the triathlon community but to the local community and we’re thrilled that we’re back in action once again,” he said.

“We’re thrilled to be able to welcome athletes back to the event from across Australia and around the world, with athletes set to travel from all corners.

“After the challenges of the last few years it’s great to be able to have the event back to full capacity.

Maroochydore’s Maureen Cummings has completed 22 Noosa Triathlons and at 60, she shows no signs of slowing down. With the 39th Noosa Triathlon returning on Sunday 30 October, she once again lines up for her favourite event, and we catch up with the triathlete ahead of her next challenge.

“For women in sport, the amount of female participation that has increased over the 23 years I’ve been taking part has been exponential,“ Maureen said.

“The calibre of women that are coming through now is inspiring to me as I go around the course. It’s my favourite event in the world and I’ve competed around the world for a long time.“

The Acting CEO of Tourism Noosa, Susan Ewington, said the people of the region were delighted to host the event.

“We are proud to be the home of the world’s largest Olympic distance triathlon, and we look forward to sharing our stunning beaches, coastal pathways, national parks, and lush hinterland with visitors from all around Australia and the world,” she said.

“The festival offers a fantastic line-up of events for all ages and fitness levels, and we can’t wait for visitors to soak up the atmosphere and take part in the world-class events on offer.”

The festival will include The Tour De Noosa – Garth Prowd Ride, 5km ASICS Noosa Breakfast, 2XU Noosa 1000 Ocean Swim, tNoosa Superkidz Triathlon, TINGIRANA Noosa Special Triathlon, 5km ASICS Noosa Bolt, Australian Open Criterium and Legends Triathlon.

But the main event is the Noosa Triathlon, to be held on Sunday, from 6.15am.

Luke Willian and Ashleigh Gentle are the reigning champions. Gentle has won the women’s race eight times, including the past seven editions, and is set to line up again this time.

For more information, including a schedule, see Noosa Triathlon.