The 32nd annual Barambah Organics Hell of the West (HOTW) Triathlon was held over the weekend in Goondiwindi, with the race attracting world class professional athletes, along with over 700 individuals and 40 teams competing over two days of events.
After multiple flood events in the last 18 months followed by a dry summer, the mighty Macintyre River was in prime condition, and although the event has moved from its traditional mid-summer date, hot conditions prevailed on race day.
Ashleigh Gentle smashed the female course record by over 7 minutes with a time of 3.42.45, also setting new ride and run records. Ashleigh, who is a dual Olympic triathlete and currently Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) World Ranked Number 1, said “It was a pleasure to take the win”. Ellie Salthouse, who returned to defend her 2021 Hell of the West title, placed second, also under previous record time, and Kylie Simpson rounded out the female podium.
Max Neumann returned to Goondiwindi to claim his 3rd Hell of the West title in a blazing time of 3.20.11, a new course record by 9 minutes, also riding and running his way to new leg records. Max said of his win “I couldn’t be happier to start the season off this way”. Kieran Storch placed second, and last year’s champion, Josh Amberger, placed third, breaking the event’s 13-year-old swim record.
Winners Ashleigh and Max, who both spend a significant part of their year competing across the globe in world class events, credited the Goondiwindi community for their welcoming spirit. Max said [Hell of the West is] “one of my favourites for sure, you really can’t beat this race experience”. Ashleigh said, “to have such an iconic Australian race running since 1989 is a pretty special feat, so it’s an honour to be here and a pleasure to take the win”.
With over 400 individuals and teams vying for HOTW Age Group and Queensland State Championship titles, and professional triathletes racing for Professional Triathlon Organisation (PTO) world ranking points for the first time at this event, some of triathlon’s biggest names travelled to Goondiwindi.
But the action wasn’t limited to Sunday’s event. The GTH Group + Super Saturday featured the Gundy Inferno 5K and 10K charity runs, Fire Starter Triathlon and Hell Kids Triathlon. Elite athletes and beginners alike battled it out under perfect conditions.
Race Director, Tim Richards said, “we can’t be happier with how this year’s event has come together. The Goondiwindi Tri Club and the HOTW committee have brought yet another amazing event to life. We worked to gain the PTO Ranking Status and Goondiwindi has been showcased on the world triathlon stage. We would like to thank our wonderful volunteers, who once again did a fantastic job to deliver our competitors safely through the course, as well as the wider Goondiwindi community for their support of the event”.
The ‘Hell of the West’ is coordinated by local group, the Goondiwindi Triathlon Club who continue to operate the event and rely on the help of the Goondiwindi community, with over 400 volunteers assisting over the weekend. The event is more widely facilitated by Triathlon Queensland,
Goondiwindi Regional Council and support from tourism-based industry bodies, Southern Queensland Country Tourism and Tourism Events Queensland. With visitors and guests participating in events across the weekend, the festival attracts in excess 2,500 people to the region contributing an estimated $400,000 with direct economic and tourism impact.
Next year’s Hell of the West is already in the planning stage, with the event set to be held on 23 -24 March 2024
Super Saturday photos here
