New management has seen no less interest in the Coles Bay Half and with almost perfect weather conditions forecast, Saturday is expected to be a great day.

Individual and team entrants will tackle a 1.9-kilometre swim in the clear waters of Muirs Beach, then cycle 90km of two laps along the Coles Bay Road and finish with a four-lap, 21.1km run along a Muirs beach and Esplanade Road circuit. 

Organisers Clive and Tiani Poulton said a sprint and kids’ aquathon ensure there is an event for every ability.

In the elite men, Matt Rundle, Alexander Geale, Nick Daley and Adam Derbyshire are expected to battle it out after Hayden Armstrong had to pull out due to illness.

The ladies’ race features a larger prize purse than the men’s and Jenny Gillard will be a strong favourite with a few rivals choosing the sprint over the half.

The sprint should be a tight and competitive race between local girls Sarah Hardy, Jess Jones and Danika Bumford.

Juniors to look out for in the sprint include Will Blackaby, Jack Direen, Harry Pridmore, Sophie Moore and Catelyn Turner.

Just Swim and the Royal Life Saving Kids Aquathon will have registration on the day for $5 entry with all proceeds going to the Just Like Jack foundation.