MORE than 800 competitors and supports flocked to North Stradbroke Island on Sunday, May 18 to take part in the 2019 Straddie Salute Triathlon Festival.
The festival, held at Point Lookout, included two triathlons, a fun run and a duathlon for the children and attracted a wide range of participants including sporting legends, elite triathletes, families and weekend warriors.
Spotted on the starting line were ex-rugby star Mat Rogers, Olympian Susie O'Neill, Bondi Rescue's Andrew "Reidy" Reid, former Wallabies player Mark Chisholm, Supercar driver Tim Slade, big wave surfer Clint Kimmins and radio hosts Ash, Kip and Luttsy.
In the Straddie Pure road triathlon event, Travis Coleman was victorious in one hour, 16 minutes and 43 seconds, topping his second place performance in 2017.
He crossed the line ahead of Dominic Churchett and 2014 champion James Dimsey.
In the women's Pure triathlon, hot favourite Courtney Gilfillan backed up her win in the Byron Bay Triathlon the previous week with a dominant performance ahead of Rebecca Pegg and ex-Noosa Triathlon champion Felicity Abram.
In the offroad race, the Straddie Salute 2016 champion Brodie Gardner returned to the winner's circle ahead of Adam Gordon from the Gold Coast and Sydney's Clint Kimmins.
In the women's Salute Leela Hancox made Straddie Salute history by becoming the first person to claim both the road and offroad titles, finishing ahead of Morgan Whiting and Vanessa Page.
The Straddie Fun Run was dominated by steeplechase star Luke Fainges who scorched around the 8.5 kilometre course in 31 mins 32 secs.
The women's champion was Sara Parkinson who came third overall.
Despite wet weather and slippery conditions, event director Steve Guise said that feedback from competitors this year had been outstanding with everyone embracing the spirit of the event.
"Our competitors love coming to Straddie," he said.
"It is such a unique destination for a triathlon and we're excited about the future of the event."