Competitors in the 2026 Marlo Triathlon have an extra week to prepare, with a later fixture seeing the event run on Saturday, January 10.
Hosted by the Orbost Snowy Rovers Football Netball Club (OSRFNC) in partnership with the Riviera Triathlon Club, the event has been part of summer in Marlo since it started in 1992.
Aside from interruptions caused by bushfires and COVID, the triathlon has remained a consistent and well-supported fixture, attracting strong fields of locals, tourists and visiting competitors each year.
The event has worked through challenges over the years, including minor flood levels in the river, low water visibility and scorching temperatures.
“We shifted the date this year to give everyone a chance to enjoy New Year’s Eve without compromising triathlon prep,” OSRFNC president Royston Nettleton said.
“Last year’s temperatures in the high 30s really tested out our local athletes but made for prime spectator conditions on the balcony of the Marlo Hotel.”
Local teachers Clancy Bennett and Courtney Shinn will line up to defend their Local Hero titles claimed in the 2025 sprint event, with Shinn going for back-to-back and Bennett seeking his third win in a row.
Local Hero trophies are awarded to the first athletes over the line with a 3888 postcode.
The main race consists of a 500-metre swim, a 21-kilometre bike ride, and a 5.5-kilometre run.
Racing will begin at 2pm with the children’s events.
The fun triathlon, aimed at juniors, first-timers and those looking for a shorter challenge, will follow at 3pm, before the main event takes to the water at 4pm.
Online registrations are now open via the Riviera Triathlon Club website, with opportunities available for both individuals and relay teams.
