Two Ironman World Champions to headline the Pearl iZumi Huskisson Long Course Triathlon

Two former Ironman World Champions, Craig Alexander and Pete Jacobs will headline the eleventh edition of the Husky Long Course Triathlon Festival when it returns to the picturesque white sands of Jervis Bay from February 19 to 21.

Both Jacobs and Alexander have previously taken line honours at this prestigious event. They are just two of a solid field of pros including two time Ironman Australia Champion Paul Ambrose, dual Oympian Brad Kahlefledt and Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney champion David Mainwaring.

As one of the best weekends on the triathlon calendar, the event is anticipated to attract over 6,000 competitors, 10,000 spectators and will see over 800 volunteers call Huskisson home across the course of the weekend.

The signature event will see Jacobs, Alexander, Ambrose, Kahlefeldt and David Mainwaring  vying for the long course title where athletes race over 105 kilometres starting with a two-kilometre swim course in the pristine waters off Huskisson Beach, a challenging 83-kilometre bike course and a 20-kilometre run along the scenic foreshore of Jervis Bay.

The atmosphere in Huskisson over the weekend and the scenic seaside village makes this event special. Throw in to this the ‘Open’ wave that sees the pros racing alongside some keen age groupers who fancy themselves and you have the perfect mix. In 2013 we saw the charasmatic and fresh to triathlon Rhett Russell line up beside the likes of Reed, Appleton, Kahlefeldt, Fox and more in his speedos. Overheard at the swim start asking Sticksy if he ‘has done many triathlons’ Russell, not a known bike/runner, swum at the front of the field to lead out ahead of the wetsuit brigade. Unfortunately for Russell he then road backwards through the field.

This year we will see one of Australia’s best age group Ironmen and the current world Ironman champion for his age group Ben Bell racing in the open category.  Alongside Bell will be a  number of the Project M crew with Nathan Miller, Matt Lewis and a few others having a crack.

The brainchild of the Huskisson Long Course Triathlon Mark “Emo” Emerton, now the CEO of South Coast based multi-sport and events company, Elite Energy, it is anticipated that 2016 will be one of the biggest years yet.

We love this time of year. There is a really exciting vibe that runs through the office in the final weeks leading into this race. Big Husky is the very reason we do what we do.

Logistically, it’s a huge event to organise and coordinate but we’re grateful for the amazing support of local councils, authorities and also to our event sponsors who ensure we can continue to deliver this event bigger and better year after year.

The calibre of competitors this year will definitely mean we are in for an exciting weekend of racing and the likes of Pete Jacobs who continue to return to the event goes to show how well it ranks with the sports elite, that is something any event director strives for” says Emerton.

The Husky Long course will see competitors, of all ages and abilities enter into one, or more, of the six events on offer ocean swims; enticer, sprint or the long distance triathlon; MINI MAN for the kids or the fun runs.

Aside from the action on course, there is also plenty for competitors and their families to see and do across the weekend. Whether it’s making the most of the countless tourist attractions or just taking time to check out the latest products and trends at the Health and Lifestyle Expo.