IT'S the vibe of it.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It began three years ago but already the Bathurst Wallabies Triathlon Club's women's only round has become one of the highlights of the annual calendar because of the positive atmosphere it creates.
When the season 2020-21 event is held this Sunday the club once more expects strong numbers, with triathlon one of the real growth sports for women in Bathurst.
"The first year we were certainly overwhelmed with the response and since then it's just gone from strength to strength," Wallabies women's co-ordinator Anna Blackie said.
"Within our club we really see growing numbers of women generally at all our rounds and travelling away to inter club event.
"So now we are not surprised at the response, we're really pleased and we're also pleased that Triathlon NSW are promoting the idea now as well and clubs throughout the state have been doing women's events just like ours.
"It's just such a lovely atmosphere, people just want to be there and support the women, whether it's women with a lot of experience in the sport or newbies, we love to support all women.
"It just has such a great feel for an event."
Blackie, who is now in her fifth season competing at Bathurst Wallabies events, says it is not just the atmosphere on the day which makes the club's women's only round a success either.
It's the support and advice women have been given before they show up on race day. It lets them know that a sport which can seem daunting is actually achievable and that it's not about times but participation.
"I guess one of the things that has been really helpful is talking about what the barriers can be and trying to help people to overcome those. A lot of it is confidence and knowledge, not really knowing what is involved," Blackie said.
"So we've done training programs together and that has helped the barriers dissolve. Unfortunately this year we haven't been able to do those training programs because of COVID, but we have created a closed Facebook page where people can ask all those questions."
It's just such a lovely atmosphere, people just want to be there and support the women.
- Anna Blackie
While the women's only round has been a remarkable success for the club, Blackie pointed out it is not just females that are excited by the now annual event.
It's one the male members of the club are keen to support as well.
"It's definitely a highlight of the Wallabies calendar and I also think it's not just a highlight for the women, we get really good support from the whole triathlon community," Blackie said.
"For example we put out a call for volunteers and now we're at a point where we are trying to find jobs for people because everybody just wants to be involved."
The strong participation rate at the women's only event has also flowed on into other Wallabies races the past two seasons and Blackie hopes that trend continues.
"That's why we love this event because it's not just a once-off for the women, it's led to us having so many new regulars to our events. The women's side of the club has absolutely grown since we started this, they enjoy it and they do come back," she said.
"It shows women that they can do this, that it's enjoyable and something they can achieve, so absolutely we find that women are coming back and doing more and we are so happy with that.
"They also encourage their family members to come along as well, we've had husbands doing it because their wife is, and kids too.
"We've also seen the women who have done the first and second events encouraging their friends to come along, it's just such a wonderful sport to be involved with."
Sunday's race will feature an altered short course format of a 200 metres swim, 16 kilometre cycle and 2.5km run. From 8am it will have a rolling start.
"People who think they might take a bit longer are welcome to go first, or if you have a group of friends you might want to start together so you can hang together," Blackie said.
Registration is online only and will close on Saturday evening.
Blackie thanked Cityfit Bathurst for its support and said the club is grateful for the $1500 the women's event received as part of the NSW Government's local sports grants program.
