THE KARRI VALLEY TRIATHLON
THE COURSE
Long Course- 1km/30km/8km
Short Course- 500m/15km/4km
Short Course- 500m/15km/4km
The Karri Valley Triathlon comprises of two separate events, a long course event - 1km swim/30km cycle/8km run, and a short course event - 500m swim/15km cycle/4km run. The long course is completed by each competitor doing two laps of each discipline, with the short course only requiring one lap of each discipline to be completed.
The Swim- The pristine waters of Lake Beedelup is the setting for the start of the triathlon, with a beach start into the relatively warm waters. Due to the time of year, the fresh water lake temperature is approximately 22 degrees celsius, which is very comfortable for swimming. In past years the race director and officials have decided that wetsuits were deemed unneccessary, meaning a fairer race was experienced by all competitors. The swim composes of a one or two lap circuit, with competitors travelling in a clockwise direction around three turning buoys placed in the lake. The swim finishes with a run up the beach and over a timing mat, before running along Karri Drive to where the transition is located.
The Cycle- After exiting from the transition, which is located on the main oval at Karri Valley Resort, the cycle exits the resort along Karri Drive before turning left and heading towards Pemberton on the Vasse Highway. The course is undulating, with riders challenged by minimal flat sections along the fifteen kilometre circuit. The course travels out for seven and a half kilometres, where a turn-around point takes the cyclists back along the Vasse Highway towards the resort. Long course athletes complete this circuit twice, with short course athletes completing the circuit once. Upon completion of the cycle athletes are directed back into the resort via Karri Drive.
The Run- After completion of the final transition, athletes proceed along Karri Drive towards Lake Beedelup, before turning left and running along the dam wall. Athletes continue along this track for another few hundred metres, before a turning cone sends athletes back along the track and onto Karri Drive. Once back on the Bitumen, runners travel past Karri Valley Resort reception and out onto another bush track next to Lake Beedelup. After once again travelling a few hundred metres, athletes turn and head along Karri Drive towards the transition/finish area. Short course athletes then proceed towards the finish, where as long course athletes are required to complete another lap by turning at a marker placed on Karri Drive. The finish is located on the oval, requiring athletes to make their way down a steep hill before running down the finishing chute.
These directions are only a rough indication as to the general layout of the course. Dependant on conditions the course is subject to change, and therefore should be only used as a general guide. Attendance at the race briefing is compulsary for every athlete.