The Gold Coast T100 delivered far more than fast racing this weekend, it delivered history.
Across two days of action, athletes, clubs and squads from across the country came together for the inaugural AusTriathlon Club Grand Final, a landmark moment that, for the first time, saw triathlon clubs and squads compete not just as individuals, but as teams, representing the communities that shape our sport.
While triathlon is often seen as an individual pursuit, this weekend proved what those within the sport know to be true, it’s powered by something much bigger. From early‑morning training sessions and dedicated coaches to volunteers and clubmates cheering on the sidelines, the Club Grand Final brought that collective spirit to life on a national stage.
Saturday: Olympic Distance ignites the weekend
Saturday saw the weekend kick off in near‑perfect Gold Coast conditions, with over 800 athletes taking on the Olympic Distance course. Smiles were wide as competitors poured down the blue carpet, the course awash with club colours as athletes crossed the finish line of the very first T100 Age Group races on Australian soil. With points awarded through age‑group performances from first through to tenth, early leaderboards began to take shape. But with 100km racing still to come, nothing was settled after Day 1.
Sunday: 100km endurance reshapes the podiums
Sunday belonged to the endurance athletes, as competitors tackled the demanding 100km distance, a race that would ultimately define the inaugural champions.
The day began with a 2km swim in the Broadwater Parklands, featuring a classic ‘Aussie Exit’ at the halfway point. Athletes then headed out onto a four‑lap, 80km bike course, where head (and tail) winds kept riders honest before finishing with a hot 18km run from Southport to Surfers Paradise, along the Esplanade for two laps before crossing that iconic blue finish line.
Despite the challenging conditions, spirits remained high. Clubmates lined the course, cheering on teammates until the very last finisher, with strong crowd support lifting competitors through the toughest sections of the run. In its first year, the AusTriathlon Club Grand Final delivered an extraordinary show of unity and depth across the sport:
- Over 1,100 athletes
- Representing 151 clubs and squads
- From every state and territory across Australia
With athletes competing across both Olympic and 100km distances, the format ensured depth, consistency and team contribution were rewarded, showcasing the strength of Australia’s club and squad systems. After two days of racing and points tallied across all age groups, the first names were officially etched into AusTriathlon Club Grand Final history.
Special mention to our Overall Age Group Open winner, Andrew Nash from the Australian Defence Force Triathlon Club, a club who we shone a spotlight on earlier this week, united by both their sense of duty and triathlon. He conquered the 100km course in a blistering time of 3hrs 34mins (Swim 2km: 26:50 / Bike 80km: 1hr 56min / Run 18km: 1hr 6mins)
National Squad Podium
🥇 Team T‑Rex Triathlon Club – Inaugural Squad Champions (542 points)
🥈 Red Dog Triathlon Training (438 points)
🥉 Energy Lab Triathlon (274 points)
These commercial training environments brought exceptional depth and consistency, setting the benchmark for future editions of the event.
National Club Podium
🥇 Surfers Paradise Triathlon Club – Inaugural Club Champions (172 points)
🥈 Balance Triathlon Club (146 points)
🥉 Warringah Triathlon Club (134 points)
As the heart and soul of triathlon in Australia, our not-for-profit clubs once again showed that community, connection and pride are at the core of the sport’s success.
Just the beginning
Feedback from athletes across the weekend has been overwhelmingly positive, with many clubs and squads, including the inaugural champions who are already entered for next year.
This weekend wasn’t just about trophies or titles. It was about creating something new. Something that reflects the very best of our sport.
The inaugural AusTriathlon Club Grand Final is just the beginning of what promises to be a tradition that will grow stronger year after year.
The challenge is now laid down.
Will you be on the start line next year? And can anyone topple Team T‑Rex Triathlon Club and Surfers Paradise Triathlon Club from the top step of the podium in 2027?
