Splash, Dash and Spin Your Way Around the Whitsundays 3 October 2013 Nestled amidst the palm trees and white sandy shores of the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island provides an idyllic setting for the much anticipated 2013 Fujifilm Triathlon and Whitehaven Beach Ocean Swim. From Friday 15 to Sunday 17 November, Hamilton Island will be transformed into a flurry of activity as athletes and amateurs from around the country congregate to compete in one of the world’s most scenic triathlons and ocean swims. Olympic gold medalists Michael Klim and Susie O’Neil, as well as seasoned triathlon and ironman champions Craig Alexander and Ky Hurst, will showcase their skills and demonstrate their passion as they fiercely compete for a podium position. Despite the event’s illustrious honour role, participants don’t need a cabinet full of gold medals to get involved. Whether you are a rising star, professional athlete or just a good sport, with multiple races over two days there is sure to be an event to suit all ages and abilities. The Whitehaven Beach Ocean Swim is the only sporting event permitted to be held in the waters off this world famous beach. Its pristine, white silica sand stretches for seven kilometres edged by the most crystal clear water, located on Hamilton Island’s neighbouring Whitsunday Island. Race lengths include 2km and 750m competitive races, as well as a 750m ‘anything goes’ and 350m kids event. Spectator ferry tickets can be purchased for just $45 so friends, family and fans can soak up the atmosphere whilst enjoying one of the world’s top beaches. The Triathlon begins with a splash as competitors dive into a 750m ocean swim across the sparkling waters of Catseye Bay. The swim is followed by a 20km cycle around the Island, including the unique opportunity to carve up the Hamilton Island airport runway, before finishing with a 5km run around the marina ending with a stunning beachside finish. Should you feel more comfortable supporting from the sidelines, the triathlon is structured around a spectator-friendly course. Other professionals competing in the event are Maxine Seear, James Seear, Ashley Gentle and Courtney Atkinson. Registrations are already open for the 2013 Fujifilm Triathlon and Whitehaven Beach Ocean Swim. Visitwww.hamiltonisland.com.au/triathlon/ for further information. - ENDS - Hamilton Island is located off the Queensland coast of Australia, within the Whitsunday Islands at the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Here visitors can experience everything that is great about Australia – natural landscapes, calm turquoise waters, secluded beaches, beautiful weather, fascinating coral reefs, diverse flora and fauna. Hamilton Island offers a wide range of accommodation options, not to mention over 60 activities and all within a short direct flight from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Cairns. There are also great connections from other Australian cities. www.hamiltonisland.com.au www.facebook.com/hamiltonisland Media contacts and image library: www.hamiltonisland.com.au/media-centre/ Katie Cahill, Regional Communications Manager e: kcahill@hamiltonisland.com.au t: +61 (0)439 775 656 Hashtags: #hamiltonisland and #trihamilton Instagram: @hamiltonisland, Facebook: www.facebook.com/hamiltonisland Twitter: @hamiltonisland Pinterest: Hamilton Island Tencent Weibo: HamiltonIsland