The inaugural Forbes Triathlon is planned for Sunday, February 22, and organisers are looking for participants to test their endurance in swimming, cycling and running.

The triathlon will take place in and around the Lake Forbes ski dam on the morning of February 22 and will offer two races - one featuring a 200 metre swim, 10 kilometre ride and 2km run, or a longer event with 400m swim, 20km ride and 4km run.

Co-organiser Nick Turner said the event is open to all ages and all levels of experience, from the first timer to the seasoned athlete.

Teams are also welcome, with one team member tackling each leg of their chosen race.

“We just want to get as many people there to participate as possible, it doesn’t matter what sort of equipment you have, you can ride a mountain bike, a road bike or a BMX if you want,” Nick said.

“Just bring your bike, a helmet, your swimmers, goggles and joggers and off you go.”

Turner suggested it would be easy to compile a team to tackle the new event together, if not as an individual entrant.

“We have clubs devoted to all three sports involved [in triathlon] here in Forbes, so between our cycling club, the swimming club and the runners club, it makes sense that we should be able to get multiple teams from across those different clubs alone,” he said.

Turner said the swim leg would be held in the aquatic area of Lake Forbes, with the run to be held on the track around the lake and the ride on a stretch of Bedgerabong Road. The road will remain open but traffic control staff will ensure vehicles and riders can share the road safely.

 The event is being hosted by Forbes Runners and Triathlon Club and has the support of Forbes Shire Council, who Turner said, have been excellent in helping get the event off the ground.

Turner and co-organiser Nick Field have both competed in a couple of triathlons and another member of the planning committee Andy Hardy has twice qualified for the sport’s Half Ironman world championships.

Nick Turner said triathlon was enjoying a wave of popularity at the moment.

“It’s just a great physical and mental challenge, and a sport where you are pushing yourself to your limits I suppose.”

“One of the things I really like about [triathlon] is you are surrounded by 

very positive, encouraging and motivated people. Everyone is very like-minded.”

Turner pointed out with many winter sports beginning their pre-season training this would be a great event for them to participate in, have some fun, whilst assisting them with their early season fitness.

Registration fees are just $10 per person, or $20 per team, with fees kept low to encourage people to join the event.

“We want it to be all about participation and fun,” he said.

To register contact Nick Turner (0408-223-067) or Nick Field (0416-251-516) or simply register on the day. The first race will start at 8am on February 22 with participants asked to assemble at the ski dam.