3000-plus entries make multisport a ‘huge success’

GEELONG Multisport Festival attracted more than 3000 participants over an “extremely successful” three days, according to organisers.
USM Events’ Courtney Akrigg praised the Geelong community for its “outstanding” support last weekend.
“The event sidelines were filled with cheering friends, families and supporters. There was a fantastic and friendly vibe around the town.
“The accommodation houses, cafes and restaurants were busy and the waterfront was very much alive.”
As part of the event, a Geelong Independent Superkidz Triathlon involved an enthusiastic field of children making a splash with a swim, ride and run over a specially-designed kids’ course.
Milan Eliadis, 9, crossed the line with a big smile and a sprint finish.
“It was so much fun,” she said.
“It’s my third triathlon now and I can’t wait to do more.”
Each Independent Superkidz finisher was awarded with a commemorative medal and a T-shirt.
Independent managing editor Tony Galpin was thrilled to be involved in the community event helping kids participate in such a fantastic sport.
“The Superkidz triathlon was all about children having a go. It was great to see so many kids having fun and with so many people out here supporting.”
Local Geelong triathlete Peter Kerr won an Australian championship in the event’s URBAN Geelong ITU Sprint Triathlon Oceania Cup, finishing behind Frenchman Gregory Rouault and Kiwi Tony Dodds.
“I’m rapt to have come third up against those guys,” Kerr said.
Australian Christian Kemp ran away from a world-class field to claim his second major victory in the festival’s URBAN Geelong Long Course event.
Kemp has faced struggle to return to fill fitness after nearly tearing his calf from the bone in 2011.
“I’m stoked,” he said.
“Two out of two after a couple of terrible years – I’m just so happy.”