After taking home the Event of the Year award for under 500 participants at the annual AusTriathlon Awards, Devonport Triathlon’s Will Blackaby highlighted his joy in being recognised for the inaugural award.
“It’s an incredibly proud moment for everyone involved in Devonport Triathlon; it reflects the hard work and dedication that goes into delivering the event. To be recognised by AusTriathlon and the broader triathlon community is something we’re extremely proud of,” he said.
2025 was a momentous year for Devonport Triathlon as it marked 40 years of the competition. The event as a whole was a great celebration, especially for those who put in countless hours to deliver the event, to make sure it was the best one yet.
“The most rewarding part was seeing how many people felt connected to the event’s history. We had past competitors returning, first-time triathletes on the start line, and long-time volunteers still giving their time.”
“Seeing all of that come together showed how much the event means to the community.”
But it wasn’t just about hosting a triathlon, it was about celebrating the Devonport community and putting on a spectacle for the rest of Australia to see.
“It means a great deal. Tasmania consistently delivers events that punch well above their weight, and this recognition shows that you don’t need scale to deliver quality.”
“Our smaller participant numbers allow us to create a personal, community-driven experience, and it’s fantastic to see that acknowledged on a national level.”
Creating a strong, connected community and focus on delivering world class events has always been a highlight for Blackaby but one thing he really prides himself on is the athlete experience and making an environment that encourages participation.
“I’m most excited about building on the momentum we’ve created. Each year we see new athletes discovering triathlon through Devonport and returning competitors continuing to make it part of their calendar. The energy around the course, the support from locals and the excitement of athletes on the start line is always a highlight.”
Looking ahead to 2026 and although Devonport might not be celebrating 40 years, there’s still plenty of milestone moments with the World Para Series and the Oceania Championships headlining the weekend long event.
“Hosting the World Triathlon Para Series is a huge opportunity for Tasmania. It puts the state on the global triathlon stage and highlights our capability to deliver world-class sporting events.”
“More importantly, it showcases inclusivity and inspires the next generation of athletes, reinforcing Tasmania’s reputation as a destination for meaningful, high-quality sport.”
There’s no denying that there’s always a focus on making the event bigger and better to make sure more people return and continue to participate in triathlon in Tasmania but for Blackaby and the team it’s never about rewriting the script but more finetuning.
“We focus on small improvements each year that make a real difference for athletes and spectators. That includes refining the course, improving the event village and listening closely to feedback so the experience continues to evolve while staying true to what people love about Devonport Triathlon.”
If you’re eager to get involved and want to compete at Devonport March 13-15, register here.
