Boost gets Ballarat Junior Triathlon back on track

More than 70 enthusiastic young athletes from Ballarat, Melbourne, and as far afield as Mount Gambier, South Australia, tested their mettle during an action-packed day of swimming, cycling, and running.

Hosted by the Ballarat Triathlon Club, the event took place on Monday 17 March 2025 across the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre, Prince of Wales Park, and Ballarat High School.

Designed as a safe, inclusive, and beginner-friendly introduction to the sport, the event featured a pool swim, a traffic free bike course on cycling paths, and flat run course - making it ideal for first-time participants and developing junior athletes alike.

Athletes aged 9 to 11 years completed a 100 metre swim, 3 kilometre bike ride, and 500 metre run. Participants aged 12 to 17 years took on a 200 metre swim, 6 kilometre bike ride, and 1 kilometre run.

Adam Conway, 14 year old Ballarat Triathlon Club member said, ‘It was such a fun event to do with my friends. We had fun racing and crossing the finish line together.’

Despite the rainy conditions, young competitors embraced the challenge with determination and high spirits, showing resilience and great sportsmanship.

The event was supported by a team of 20 dedicated volunteers and marshals who helped ensure the event ran smoothly and safely.

With strong community support and a growing interest in junior participation, the Ballarat Triathlon Club is already looking forward to welcoming even more young athletes at next year’s event.

Molly Voss, President of the Ballarat Triathlon Club said, ‘It was fantastic to see so many young people out there having a go, especially those doing their very first triathlon. That’s exactly what this event is all about, giving kids the chance to try something new in a fun, supportive environment.’

The Sporting Club Grants Program has injected almost $18.4 million in support to thousands of community sport and active recreation clubs like the Ballarat Triathlon Club across the state over the past decade.

It’s backed by the Regional Community Sport Development Fund that is delivering infrastructure and other programs including the Regional Community Sport Infrastructure Fund to support more regional Victorians to become and remain physically active.

Applications for this round close 27 March 2025. For more information and to apply visit the Sporting Club Grants Program.