Event organisers expect a bumper field of triathletes at the April 12 event as past competitors and new challengers from across Australia sign on to mark the milestone anniversary of Australia's toughest sprint triathlon, which is held in Outback Queensland's tiny town of Julia Creek (population, approx. 400).
According to Dirt n Dust Festival Committee President Stephen Malone, the small Julia Creek community has been planning this event for the past three years.
"It's a real coup to reach the 20-year mark, especially for an event that requires some true grunt work and determination from its competitors as they go head to head against the elements," said Mr Malone.
"When the idea of a triathlon in the middle of the Queensland Outback was first hatched at the local Town & Country Club, I don't think we could have dreamed that the event would still be going 20 years later, and with more than 450 people coming from all over the country to compete.
"The event has come a long way and we have many people to thank for spreading the word; we're now receiving interest from a number of high profile triathletes and celebrities who are keen to find out how they'd fare against our infamous headwind, so I think this year's triathlon will be a particularly exciting race."
As part of the 20 year celebrations new prize money of $5,600 has been set aside for the North Queensland Champion and entries have been capped to 650 people.
"We are keen to encourage more of our neighbours in the North to come and find out why the Dirt n Dust Triathlon has become one of Australia's most iconic sprint events," said Mr Malone.
Susan Callanan from sponsor BNG Sports, Townsville said she was already seeing buzz about this year's triathlon building among local athletes.
"The Dirt n Dust Tri seems to be one that people lock into their calendars early," said Ms Callanan.
"I think it's so popular because it really pushes people out of their comfort zones; instead of swimming in open coastal waters, you're in a muddy creek doing battle with fish and redclaw - I remember watching a couple of girls pulling fish out of their swimmers as they ran for their bikes last year and thinking 'only in Julia Creek'."
The Cannington Dirt n Dust Triathlon comprises an 800m swim through a muddy road-side creek, a 25km ride along a barren outback highway and a 5km run through the main street of Julia Creek.
The 20th Annual Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival will be held 11-13 April, 2014. For more information, triathlon registration and travel and accommodation bookings, go to www.dirtndust.com.
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