The Triathlete
David Radford
Vice-President
Free Radicals Tribe Triathlon Club
Now is the busy period for triathletes in North Queensland as the weather is perfect. Local triathlete David Radford, who belongs to the Free Radicals Tribe Triathlon Club, will be taking his place amid the action as the event season unfolds.
“It’s a great way to see North Queensland and meet like-minded people with all levels of ability and fitness, just getting out there and giving it a go,” says David. “From the smaller club races through to the long-distance races, they’re all unique.”
The Townsville Triathlon Festival will take place on 18-20 August and there are plenty of other triathlons going on around North Queensland in scenic spots such as Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island.
It’s a great way to see North Queensland and meet like-minded people with all levels of ability and fitness, just getting out there and giving it a go.
“I’ve dabbled in quite a few different pastimes on offer in and around Townsville, from riding mountain bike trails to trail running around the local national parks and completing ocean swims,” David says. “That’s what’s so great about living in Townsville. We have some fantastic clubs run by volunteers who give up their free time to give back to the community and put these events on. I’m continually amazed by how supportive everyone is in the fitness community.”
David works for the State Government so it involves a bit of negotiation with his wife as to who is going to train in the morning before the real day begins and before the kids are up.
“As a family man with a son, daughter and active wife, trying to juggle three disciplines is pretty tough,” David says. “But I’m lucky that all the family have gotten involved in the sport, which gives us a chance to compete and socialise at these events together.”
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TOP 5 FITNESS DRAWCARDS
01 Free Radicals Tribe
Triathlon training Sunday mornings at the Northern Beaches Leisure Centre. Training is varied and fun and kids are welcome. We usually finish with a coffee at the local cafe. It’s a great way to start the day. Check our Facebook page for times and dates.
02 Townsville Tri Festival
A great weekend with an event for everyone from the serious competitor through to the corporate challenger.
03 Townsville Running Festival
This event attracts competitors from all over Australia to run The Strand. There are varying distances for all fitness levels.
04 Paluma Push
Riding from Paluma to Hidden Valley through some beautiful rainforest.
05 Townsville Open Water Swim Series
For those who get tired of swimming in a pool, this series offers varying distances and races.