Hundreds of swimmers poured into the water from 6:30am on Saturday for the second consecutive Elite Energy Kiama Triathlon, drawing athletes and supporters to the stunning Minnamurra coastline.

The event featured both sprint and standard distance races, each attracting over 200 male and female competitors.

The triathlon kicked off with a swim - 750m for the sprint and 1.5km for the standard - in the crisp, clear waters of the Minnamurra River. Athletes then transitioned into a 20km (sprint) or 38km (standard) bike ride out toward Jamberoo and back, finishing with a scenic 5km or 10km run along the coastline of Minnamurra and Kiama Downs.

A triathlete running along the beautiful Minnamurra coastline in the Kiama Triathlon

In the sprint event, Nathan Dixon claimed first place with a time of 01:03:09. Trudi Barnes was the first female finisher in the sprint, crossing the line in 01:12:43.

In the standard distance race, Rhys Corbishley took the win with a time of 01:49:02, while Calypso Sheridan led the women’s field with an impressive 02:01:47 finish.

While the Kiama Triathlon Club had only a handful of members competing - due to scheduling conflicts with other events - members like event organiser for the club, Cheryl Freeman were still heavily involved on the day, supporting athletes and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere.

“The Elite Energy events are so encouraging, and people here always cheer you on, no matter where you are in the pack,” Freeman says. “You've got athletes coming down the finishing line and everyone’s clapping for everyone. It’s really amazing.”

Freeman praised the event not just for its sporting challenge, but for its positive impact on the community and the inclusive nature of triathlon.

“It brings new people into our beautiful area, which is fantastic,” she says. “But also, it’s such an inclusive sport. It’s good for your mental health, and it’s full of people who just want to help and support each other. No matter what place someone finishes, everyone congratulates each other at the end.”

This year marked the second straight year the Kiama Triathlon has been held, and Freeman is confident it has a bright future.

“I think it’s here to stay,” she said. “There were locals out all along the course, cheering people on.

"The course is beautiful and the vibes are just so positive. I can’t see why it wouldn’t be back next year!”