Now that the Christmas and New Year celebrations are well behind us, there are no excuses not to find that health and fitness button inside us all. Autumn brings that beautiful weather back to Hervey Bay that we all appreciate, so let’s set search for the activities that combine fun and a bit of sweat. Bay Break is one of those events that is perfect for any fitness level.
The Bay Break Multisports Festival has become one of the largest events for the Fraser Coast and attracts people of all ages to participate in their choice of events that allow for all fitness levels to enter. Now in its fourth year, Bay Break attracted people from all over Australia including international entrants last year.
Bay Break President, John Bone says the area has the perfect environment for such events. “Our esplanade is one of the most beautiful stretches in Australia and for runners, this is very important to compliment the challenge of this distance”.
This year’s event, to be held at the Urangan Pier end of the esplanade on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th April, has introduced a number of new exciting events including a Sprint Triathlon for all ages and ability groups on the final day. Bay Break has had a successful history in being inclusive with all abilities events now being scheduled each day.
The Saturday afternoon has a strong schedule of run, walk and roll events that begins with the half marathon at 2pm. This is followed by a 10km and 5km open ages event along the esplanade this is completely closed to traffic for the runners, and walkers are allowed for 5km. The kids will enjoy the 2km Junior run too with over 100 children being part of the day. The All Abilities 2km event then takes place which brings great excitement for the spectators as they encourage all participants.
The afternoon culminates with some exciting bike racing with 3 criterion races scheduled that provide a fantastic scene for spectators to enjoy. The 1km circuit has an open event for both Men and Women events as well as a juniors only race with excellent prize money up for grabs.
The new addition to the Multisports Festival is the introduction of a Sprint Triathlon on the Sunday morning. The course begins from the Urangan Pier with a swim course followed by the bike leg and the run leg finishing in front of The Bayswater on the Esplanade. The triathlon is junior categories, open events and an all abilities category. The distance will vary depending on the category that also has a ‘come and tri’ category for the novices that have always wanted to do give triathlons a go.
The family friendly environment allows everyone to celebrate on the day. John Bone encourages spectators to bring their loud voices and join in on the fun. “The aim is to show off the beautiful surrounds of Hervey Bay to visitors for the event and hopefully local business benefit from the inflow, but ultimately we want everyone to enjoy the weekend”.
The Bay Break has been able to expand each year due to the great support from local business that the sponsorship allows infrastructure to grow the event. Kingston Estate is a perfect example of a local organisation coming forward to support ideas such as adding triathlon events to the extra day. Director of Kingston Estate says “we are thrilled to be able to introduce events to the local community that encourage a healthy lifestyle in one of the most beautiful areas of Australia”.
Whether you are a business, sporting club or social group, Bay Break welcomes the groups that promote their team spirit or participation. For more information on various events, see www.herveybaybreak.com.au
Written by Darren Bosley
Photos by Kim Parnell
