A PERSONAL challenge in a supportive environment - that is what Bathurst Wallabies Triathlon Club officials hope lure a strong field of competitors for their second women's only race.
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The club's inaugural women's only event last December lured over 100 competitors, but it was not just the strong turn out on the day which made it such a success. Many of those women then went on to contest the regular Bathurst Wallabies club races too.
It is why the club has decided to stage another women's only event this Sunday.
"We were overwhelmed by the number of women that came along, we weren't expecting those numbers, so we are hoping for similar this year," Bathurst Wallabies women's co-ordinator Anna Blackie said.
"The lovely thing is that people who competed last year really enjoyed it and have been encouraging their friends, so we know there will be a new group."
In a move to make it accessible, the women's only event is shorter than regular club races with a 200m swim, 16km cycle and 2.5km run.
Blackie explained the reduced distances are not the only change either, with support being offered to competitors over the entire course.
"The swim is in an m formation which means you are not swimming back on each other. Also there will be a rolling start for the swim, which means that people of similar confidence and ability will be sent off at the same time in groups of five or six," she said.
"With the cycle leg there will be designated riders to help people along the way and we have some experienced women who will ride at the back, so no-one will be left behind or riding on their own."
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It is that sort of supportive environment which has made triathlon a growth sport for women in Bathurst.
"I think it's just really fun and really encouraging and it's something that the whole family can be involved in," Blackie said.
"One of the reasons we wanted to really promote in women is obviously we wanted to increase the number of women involved with the sport of triathlon at our club, but we know it also increases the self confidence of all the women that participate.
"It's inevitable that you will make new friends if you come to triathlon and everybody can achieve something that they may not have thought was possible. It's nice to have a challenge, something that's just for you ... at the end of Sunday when you've completed that tri, you just really feel like you've done something.
"It's not really a competitive sport, it's just that you are really challenging yourself."
Sunday's race starts at 9am and while registrations are now open via the Bathurst Wallabies Facebook page, competitors can still sign up on the day.
