The third annual Wellcamp Airport Duathlon saw what can only be described as perfect duathlon conditions with a sunny but cooler afternoon and light winds. The Wellcamp Airport Duathlon course ranks as an athlete favorite due to the smooth asphalt roads and incredible scenery that surrounds the airport runway. Close to 300 athletes descended on the Wellcamp Airport precinct, with many looking forward to the opportunity of racing for the Triathlon Queensland State Championship – Duathlon title in their respective age group

Several of last season’s defending duathlon champions returned, keen to repeat their efforts on the Wellcamp Airport Duathlon Course. Additionally, there were a host of new names keen to test themselves on the roads around Wellcamp Airport, including some interstate challengers using the event to help to earn a spot on Team Australia at next year’s World Championships in Townsville in the Standard Duathlon event. 

It was Jack Whaley (25-29yrs) in the men’s standard distance who crossed the finish line first followed by Matthew Phillips (20-24yrs) in second just 25 seconds later. Whaley and Phillips were locked in a tight battle and headed onto the final 5KM run side by side, with Whaley only securing the first across the line in the closing stages of the final 5km run. 

In the female standard distance, Christie Robson put together an outstanding performance to not only be first across the finish line in the female standard distance, but also crowned Duathlon State Champion in the female 25-29yrs age group. Cath Spencer (45-49-yrs female) was next to cross the finish line with Danielle Delauney (30-34yrs female) rounding out the top three females in the standard distance event. Robson, Spencer and Delauney were all crowned Duathlon State Champions in their respective age groups.

In the 7-9yrs kids distance, Lilyana Ozoux took home a great first place performance. While in the 10-11yrs kids distance, Oscar Kisby and Victoria Huang secured the male and female duathlon State Championship titles for their age groups. 

The enticer 12-13yrs featured as this year’s Duathlon State Championship event for the 12-13yrs age group and saw Hayden Ozoux take the State Championships title. In the enticer 12-13yrs female race, Piper Anderson was able to take home the Duathlon State Championships age group win after just falling short the previous year. 

The sprint distance at Wellcamp always shows the deep talent of the next generation of triathlon super stars at the front of the sprint race. William Mcnally (14-15yrs male) and Chloe Bowen (14-15yrs female) both put together perfectly executed performances to be able to enjoy the run down the finish shoot with comfortable winning margins over their competitors. Notably, Chloe Bowne win was her second in consecutive years at the Queensland Duathlon Championships. In the 16-17yrs age group, Joshua Cotton and Aspen Anderson took home the Duathlon State Championship titles with big performances out on course. Aspen Anderson was in great form using the event as part of her final preparations for the upcoming Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games in early August.

A big congratulations to all competitors who were able to join in the run-bike-run fun at the 2023 Wellcamp Airport Duathlon and a special round of applause for all our newly crowned Duathlon State Champions for this season.