The Toughest Triathlon in Queensland Set to Raise Hell in Goondiwindi

• Goondiwindi Regional Council is a proud long-term supporter and event partner of the Hell of the West (HOTW) festival
• HOTW receives an annual Council Tourism Events Grant of $6,000
• The HOTW festival is celebrating 32 years of hell

The ‘toughest triathlon in Queensland’, the Hell of the West (HOTW), is gearing up to raise the underworld in Goondiwindi this weekend with more than 700 athletes participating in the event.

Goondiwindi Regional Council is a proud long-term supporter and event partner of HOTW, which receives an annual Tourism Events Grant of $6,000.

This year the festival is celebrating 32 years of hell. Competitors will cross the finish line at the Goondiwindi Town Park where Council’s parks and gardens crews have been working hard preparing for the hundreds of visitors expected for the 25-26 March event.

Mayor of the Goondiwindi Region the Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg AM said visitors are expected from far and wide, and are typically impressed by Goondiwindi's neat, tidy and welcoming appearance.

“With one of the largest outdoor crews (percentage of workforce) of any local government in Queensland, our Council strives to have our region’s communities looking well-presented all year round,” Cr Springborg said. “Our teams really do go above and beyond to ensure the region is looking its absolute best for these big-ticket tourism events - whether it’s the Talwood Pink Ladies or Texas Country Music Festival, our crews strive to ensure the region is looking its best for the big day.”

Festival of Hell Race Director Tim Richards said the Goondiwindi Region itself was part of the HOTW’s great reputation.

“The support we get from Council and the community is a major part of what makes the event so fantastic,” Mr Richards said.

“Athletes come out to Goondiwindi not only for a hell of a race, but for a top weekend in a friendly town that has all the services you need, quality accommodation and not to mention the beautiful backdrop of the Macintyre River,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of local entries this year which is great to see, and we’re well on track to a great weekend ahead.”

HOTW is a major part of Australia’s triathlon calendar, drawing competitors with their support crews and families from across the nation.

“It’s such a tremendous event for our region,” the Mayor said. “We want to ensure the athletes, their supporters and other spectators all leave with only the very best impression of our town, and knowing that the Goondiwindi Region really does represent Regional Australia at its Best.

“There’s no doubt what a fantastic boost this is to local tourism, and an opportunity to showcase the region to potential employees and investors,” he said.

This year HOTW athletes have the opportunity to win an increased prize pool of a massive $16,000.

Mr Richards said, “We are now recognised by the Professional Triathlon Organisation (PTO) as a World Ranking Points Event, which means the professional athletes racing HOTW can gain valuable world ranking points that allow them to rank themselves against the greatest triathletes around the world, and earn end of season bonuses.”

“The increase in prizemoney and the addition of PTO world rank points has seen numerous top 100 ranked triathletes enter HOTW making the battle for line honours a world class opportunity to be part of.”

The fun kicks off at the GTH+ Super Saturday with events for the whole family, followed by the Barambah Organics HOTW triathlon on Sunday. For more information, visit: https://www.hellofthewest.com