The Break O'Day Community Triathlon will stretch to two days in 2020 thanks to the involvement of four-time Olympian Craig Mottram.
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The 39-year-old Commonwealth Games silver medallist, who has never officially retired from running, will attend both days of the triathlon on February 8 and 9.
Mottram will speak to competitors after the Tristars triathlons and 5km fun run on the Saturday in Scamander before the action moves to St Helens on Sunday for the junior enticer, adult enticer and sprint triathlons.
Triathlon committee president Barry LeFevre said he had nearly "collapsed with disbelief" when one of his ex-pupils - former St Marys District High student Luke Faulkner - offered Mottram's services for the weekend.
ELSEWHERE IN SPORT
Faulkner, who first became friends with Mottram as a fellow sales executive at Star Athletic, said he had jumped at the chance to pull a favour for his former teacher and coach.
"We got involved in the triathlon through a few contacts from my upbringing in Tasmania," Faulkner said.
"Initially it was through Mark 'Sconna' Connelly who I still keep in contact with after my playing days for the Tassie Mariners.
"He mentioned that Barry LeFevre was running the triathlon and through my business LRF Sport I thought what a great way to get involved with the Break O'Day community and give back to an area where I grew up.
"Barry was a great mentor to me throughout school, particularly with my sporting endeavours."
Faulkner said Mottram had become one of his closest mates.
"We see each other quite often, when I head to Victoria for work I always pop over for dinner," Faulkner said.
"Our wives have hit it off and the kids are really close, particularly our two six-year old boys who quite ironically are very similar and similar to their fathers."
Reigning State League netball champions Cavaliers will again be in attendance at the triathlon, while many participants from the South of the state have flagged their desire to compete.
The BODC triathlon is now in its third year with Kate Pedley winning the first two women's events and Nathan Jackson and Max Neumann sharing victories in the men's.
SCHEDULE
- Saturday, February 8 (Scamander)
- 9am - Tristars. 7-9 year-old and 10-12 year-old events.
- 10am - 5km fun run followed by discussion with Craig Mottram about elite running training.
- Sunday, February 9 (St.Helens Wharf)
- 9am - Junior Enticer Triathlon
- 9.30am - Adult Enticer Triathlon
- 10am - Sprint Triathlon