Sunday also marks the Dubbo Triathlon Club’s first meeting of the year, with dozens expected to converge on Ollie Robbins Oval for the sprint and super sprint events.

With 38 degrees forecast the race start has been brought forward from 9am to 8am, with club president Jason Dearmer saying competitors’ welfare was paramount.

“We’re really excited for our first race for 2019 and we do have quite a decent amount of competitors registered and some new faces coming along to try out triathlon,” Dearmer said.

“People can race as a team if they wish, if people aren’t comfortable with swimming or riding or running, they can join up with friends that have other strengths.

“All registered participants get fruit salad and ice cream after the race.”

The sprint event entails a 500 metre swim, 18 kilometre bike ride and nine kilometre run. The super sprint is significantly shorter: 150m swim, 9km bike ride and 2km run.

Participants must be 12 or older to compete, with a specially designated off-road course available for 12-18 year olds who aren’t comfortable riding on the road.

“The swim in the river can also be a little bit daunting at times but it’s really safe,” Dearmer said.

“We do pre-race checks before every race and one of our committee members actually works for Water NSW so we have good inside knowledge on river flows.

“We use the concrete steps to enter the water and finish at the boat ramp so it’s very easy to get in and out of, and we have water safety for the swim leg as well.”

Dearmer said the club, which was founded in 1990, has had a good start to the 2018-19 season, and he had big hopes for it in in 2019.

“This year has been quite a good season for us,” he said.

“Last year we started with a whole new committee and we’ve been making some small changes to races and trying to make it a bit more inclusive with different options for people.

“Next up we will be going to Bathurst on January 26 for a Central West inter-club race there, as well as our Junior Tri-Stars event which is on January 27 at the Dubbo Aquatic Leisure Centre.”

Visit the club’s website – www.dubbotriathlonclub.com.au/ – or Facebook page – www.facebook.com/DubboTriathlonClub for more information, or to register for Sunday’s event.

Registration on the day will open at 7.30am, followed by a pre-race briefing at the Ollie Robbins barbecue shelter at 7.45am. Races commence at 8am.