Ganmain is gearing up for one of its biggest community events on the calendar, with the Ganmain Triathlon set to take place on Sunday at the Ganmain Sportsground.

Triathlon coordinator Drew Symon said about 70 competitors had already entered, with many more expected to register in the lead-up to the event, which is a major fundraiser for the Ganmain Grong Grong Matong Lions Football Netball Club juniors.

“We usually get most of our entries late, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday,” he said.

“Last year we had about 200 in the Enticer and Open categories.

“Because it’s a fundraiser for the junior footy club, we’re hoping to get about 250 to 300 entries overall.”

With the temperature forecast to be in the mid-30s, the triathlon could pose some tough challenges under testing conditions, but organisers are confident the starting times will help beat the worst of the heat.

In a bid to avoid the heat, organisers are aiming to have racing done and dusted by mid-morning.

“We should be finished about 10.30 to 11am and should have all the presentations finished by midday, so we should avoid the worst of the heat,” Symons said.

The family-friendly event includes Sub-Junior (8 years and under), Junior (9 to 14-year-olds, Enticer (all ages and abilities), Team and Open (numerous male and female age categories) events, catering for a broad range of ages and abilities.

The Sub-Junior competitors will complete a couple of running laps and a bike leg, but will not take part in a swim leg.

Symons said the triathlon had been an ongoing event for about 25 years and continued to attract much interest from local athletes and those from further afield.

“It’s a popular event,” he said.

“Normally we get one or two top athletes, sometimes they use it for more of a fitness thing.”

Some of the action will take place at the showground, but local residents will be treated to an armchair view with the bike leg running through town.

“It’s a good event for spectators too,” he said.

“You can sit at your house and watch them going past if you can’t get to the showground.”

The first race is scheduled to start at 8am with the Sub-Juniors category.

With plenty of volunteers out on the course to help competitors along the way, the focus will be on participation and fun.