Now in its 30th year, the Nepean Triathlon, held at the International Regatta Centre, has produced wonderful athletes and a wonderful sporting culture in Penrith.
Alan Bentley, from Nepean Swim Centre, is sponsoring the swim leg of the race this year for the first time, and has seen the sport grow over the past three decades – he was in his early years of high school when the first triathlon was held in 1982.
“I remember I was in Year 9 and I was a very good swimmer and entered a lot of competitions. I was approached by members of the cycling club and rowing club (who actually had some very good runners at the time) to compete in a relay,” Mr Bentley said.
From that moment, few things have stopped Mr Bentley from competing in the event each year.
“I know I have missed five of the races – the first because I had a broken collar bone, the second because I started full time work, the third because it was the same date as my wedding, the fourth because I had a fractured shin and the fifth because I had a hip operation,” he said.
“It is just an addictive sport and a very healthy lifestyle to lead.”
Though there was a lull in interest in the sport 10 years ago, Mr Bentley said the sport has recently gone from strength to strength with the main event selling out and the kids programme now hosted the previous day to the main race because of high demand.
The Nepean Triathlon will be held over November 12 and 13.
