The 2019 Straddie Salute – Event Report
On Saturday 18 May over 800 competitors and their supporters descended on Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island to take part in the 2019 Straddie Salute Triathlon Festival. With two triathlons, a fun run and a kids duathlon on offer, the event attracted a wide range of participants including sporting legends, elite triathletes, families and weekend warriors.
Spotted on the startline was ex-rugby league and union star Mat Rogers, Olympian Susie O’Neill, Bondi Rescue’s Andrew “Reidy” Reid, former Wallabies player Mark Chisholm, Supercar driver Tim Slade, big wave surfer Clint Kimmins and Nova radio hosts Ash, Kip & Luttsy.
In the popular Straddie Pure road tri event it was Travis Coleman who went one better than his 2nd place in 2017, claiming line honours in a time of 1hr 16 min 43 seconds, ahead of Dominic Churchett and 2014 champion James Dimsey. In the women’s Pure tri, hot favourite Courtney Gilfillan backed up from her win in the Byron Bay Triathlon the previous week with a dominant performance ahead of ex-Noosa Triathlon champion Felicity Abram and Rebecca Pegg.
In the offroad race, the Straddie Salute, 2016 champion Brodie Gardner returned to the winner’s circle in a star studded event ahead of Gold Coast’s Adam Gordon and Sydney’s Clint Kimmins. In the women’s Salute Leela Hancox made Straddie Salute history by becoming the first person to claim both the road and offroad titles, finishing ahead of Morgan Whiting and Vanessa Page.
The Straddie Fun Run was dominated by steeplechase star Luke Fainges who scorched around the 8.5km course in 31 mins 32 secs. Women’s champion and an impressive third overall was Sara Parkinson.
Despite wet weather and slippery conditions Event Director Steve Guise said that feedback from competitors this year has been outstanding with everyone embracing the spirit of the event. “Our competitors love coming to Straddie. It is such a unique destination for a triathlon and we’re excited about the future of the event” he said.
The 2019 Straddie Salute was made possible through the support of Major Partners Redland City Council, Tourism & Events Queensland, Sealink/Stradbroke Ferries, Straddie Chamber of Commerce and was also supported by Garmin, Salming, Stradbroke Beach Hotel, Balter, Flickaa Tri Training & Sirromet.
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| Friday May 17 | ||
| 9.00am – 5.00pm
1.00am – 4.00pm |
Straddie Salute 9 or 18-hole Golf Tournament (tee off when suits you!)
Early Registration |
@Straddie Golf Club
@ Point Lookout Oval |
| 5.00pm – 8.00pm | Welcome Dinner & Race Tips | @ Straddie Beach Hotel |
| Saturday May 18 |
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| 5.30, 6, 7, 8am | Vehicle Ferries Depart Cleveland | @ Middle St, Cleveland |
| 6.30am | Competitor Registration Opens | @ Point Lookout Oval |
| 7.30am | Straddie Fun Run Starts | @ Point Lookout Oval |
| 9:00am | Official Welcome & Triathlon Safety Briefing | @ Point Lookout Oval |
| 9:30am | Garmin StraddieKidz Duathlon | @ Point Lookout Oval |
| 10:30am | Straddie Pure Triathlon starts | @ Home Beach |
| 10:45am | Straddie Salute Triathlon starts | @ Home Beach |
| 3:00pm | Prizegiving (including great spot prizes!) | @ Point Lookout Oval |
| Sunday May 19 |
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| 7.00am – 8.00am | Beach Yoga – Group Session (FREE) | @ Cylinder Beach |
| 8:00am | Outdoor Quandamooka Breakfast – enjoy a breakfast on the Pt Lookout headland with friends & family! (purchase on the day) | @ Point Lookout |
| 9:00am onwards | Sandboarding, Barefoot Bowls & much more (book online with your entry) | @ Point Lookout |
| 12.00pm – 3.00pm | Salute Straddie Farewell Lunch | @ Straddie Beach Hotel |
| Up to 7.45pm | Ferries depart for Cleveland hourly (stay & enjoy!) | Dunwich |
