Devonport Triathlon to celebrate 40 years with 2025 World Triathlon Para Series opener

20 Jan 2025

Photo Credit: Delly Carr

The Devonport Triathlon will celebrate its 40th anniversary by hosting the 2025 World Triathlon Para Series opener as part of a thrilling festival of triathlon in March.

Taking place from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 March, the event will bring together some of the world top triathletes across all levels – para, elite, under 23, junior, and age group – for a milestone weekend.

In addition to the World Triathlon Para Series, Devonport will also host the Oceania Triathlon Championships for both elite and under 23 athletes, the Oceania Triathlon Junior Sprint Championships, the Oceania Triathlon Junior Mixed Relay Championships, and the Tasmanian Age Group Standard Championships.

The Oceania Triathlon Standard Championships will double as the Australian Elite Standard Championships, with Devonport also hosting the Australian Elite Mixed Relay Championships.

First established in 1985, the Devonport Triathlon has long been a key fixture on the Australian triathlon calendar, growing into one of the highest-profile events.

Its rich history began with Rohan Phillips and Doris Trueman as the inaugural winners, setting the stage for decades of memorable performances.

The event’s honour roll quickly grew into a tribute to triathlon’s elite, with Stephen Foster, Brad Beven, Michellie Jones, Jackie Fairweather, Loretta Harrop, Emma Carney, and Emma Snowsill among its celebrated names.

From 2000 to 2004, the event hosted Oceania Cups and Championships, attracting more legendary athletes including Craig Alexander, Miles Stewart, Chris McCormack, and Mirinda Carfrae.

The city continued as a host of Oceania Triathlon events from 2011 onwards, welcoming stars like Emma Moffatt, Ashleigh Gentle, and Erin Densham racing alongside future Olympians Jake Birtwhistle, Matt Hauser, Luke Willian, Natalie Van Coevorden, and Jaz Hedgeland – all who competed as juniors in Devonport before stepping up to the elite events.

Since 2016, Devonport has also played a crucial role in the Australian para triathlon scene, with Paralympic champions Katie Kelly and Lauren Parker both securing multiple wins at the event.

The city proudly hosted the World Triathlon Para Series for the first time in 2023 and continues to attract the world’s best para triathletes annually.

Devonport City Council Mayor Alison Jarman shared her pride in the city’s longstanding role in hosting the triathlon event.

“As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Devonport Triathlon in 2025, we honour the rich history of this iconic event and its positive impact on our community,” Mayor Jarman said.

“Hosting prestigious competitions such as the World Triathlon Para Series, the Oceania Triathlon Elite & Under 23 Championships, and the Oceania Triathlon Junior Championships demonstrates Devonport’s commitment to fostering athletic excellence and inclusivity. We are thrilled to welcome athletes and spectators from around the world to experience the unique spirit of Devonport.”

Atlas Event’s Managing Director Jason Crowther is thrilled to be leading the team behind the 40th edition of the event.

“Atlas Events is honoured to be the event organiser for the 40th year of the Devonport Triathlon, one of Australia’s longest-standing triathlons,” Crowther said.

“Hosting the World Triathlon Para Series and Oceania Triathlon Championships alongside this historic milestone is truly exciting for our team. We’re proud to deliver a high-calibre, world-class experience to athletes and supporters alike, showcasing the best of Devonport and its community.”

AusTriathlon Chief Executive Officer Tim Harradine is excited to return to Devonport – a city that has consistently shown its unwavering commitment to triathlon.

“Devonport has a special place in our sport’s history. For years, it’s been where some of our best triathletes have cut their teeth, and we’re looking forward to being back at Mersey Bluff Beach in 2025.” Harradine said.

“It’s incredible to be celebrating 40 years of the Devonport Triathlon. Devonport has always been a key event on the calendar, and this year, with the anniversary, it’s great to see athletes from every level coming together.

“The World Triathlon Para Series will headline the weekend, showcasing our nation’s best para triathletes as they take on the world’s top competitors. Our elite, under 23, and junior athletes will also be in action, competing for Oceania Triathlon titles. And of course, our age groupers battling it out for the Tasmanian State Championships.

“This year it’s really going to feel like a celebration of everything triathlon in Australia.”

 

2025 Devonport Triathlon

Fri, 14 March

World Triathlon Para Series

Sat, 15 March             

Oceania Triathlon Standard Championships*

Sat, 15 March             

Australian Elite Standard Championships*

Sat, 15 March             

Oceania Triathlon Junior Sprint Championships

Sun, 16 March

Oceania Triathlon Junior Mixed Relay Championships*

Sun, 16 March

Australian Elite Mixed Relay Championships*

Sun, 16 March

Tasmanian Age Group Standard Championships

 

*Indicates events where both Oceania Triathlon Championship and Australian Championship titles are awarded in the same race.

 

 

Related Posts