Two of Devonport’s biggest sporting events have merged to create a blockbuster weekend of fitness action on March 18 and 19.

The world reknown Goodstone Group Devonport Triathlon, supported by Events Tasmania and Devonport City Council and the community focussed Devonport Sportspower Run Devonport will now be showcased together.

Event organiser Mike Bonney said by combining the event, it will make it an even bigger drawcard for people to travel for the weekend.

“There are many benefits from an organisational perspective to putting them on the same weekend, but ultimately we saw this as an opportunity for people to come to Devonport and participate in two events, rather than one,” Bonney said.

“Some of the Triathletes will back up and do Run Devonport on Sunday, while it might encourage some of the runners to try a Triathlon for the first time, that’s what we’re encouraging people to do,” Bonney added.

Saturday will see the Devonport Triathlon feature a number of events, including;

• Tri It (Community Triathlon).  250m Swim/10km Ride/3km Run
• Tri Kids
• National Age Group Standard Distance Qualifying Race – 1500m Swim/40k Ride/10k Run
• OUT Para-Triathlon Oceania Championships
• Australian Elite/U23 Standard Distance Triathlon Championships Oceania Cup

“The highlight for me will be the ParaTriathlon.  Watching them last year, particularly in transition and what they were capable of doing was so inspiring.  Now it’s the Oceanian championships it’s only going to be better,” Bonney added.

Up to 300 are expected to participate in the triathlon events across the day.

Then Sunday will see Devonport’s largest fun run, the Devonport Sportspower Run Devonport.

There is a distance for everybody on the flat, fast and scenic course, with 10km, 5km, 2.5km and 1km events on offer.

“Run Devonport is targeted at as many people in the community as possible.  The good athletes will come sure, but it’s more about getting our community active and encouraging people to target an event, train up for it and lead a healthy lifestyle,” Bonney said.

This years Run Devonport will be once again supporting the Make a Wish Foundation and Tim Blair Run For Kids Foundation supporting kids who are fighting or who have fought cancer.  Inviting everyone to dress up as their favourite superhero to support the foundation and can donate.

All events for the Devonport Triathlon and Run Devonport start and finish at the Devonport Surf Life Saving Club at Mersey Bluff.

Further information, contact:

Mike Bonney (Event Director) – 0459 117 221

Richard Welsh (PR Manager) – 0409 820 248

Georgia Whelan (Event Coordinator) – 0437 563 034