THE world’s focus may have been on the Rio Olympics these last few weeks, but soon attention, Olympians and competitors will turn to the Port Douglas region for popular and big ticket sporting action.

The next few months will see family and long-distance ocean swims, the Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation Whitelion bicycle challenge, the 2016 Tropical Journeys Great Barrier Reef Marathon and the serious big boats arrive from ports north and south for the Marlin Challenge. 

The action begins tomorrow in the tropical waters off Port with competitors competing in the Swimfit Four Mile Beach Ocean Swim.

At 6.4km, it is one of the few long-distance ocean swims in Tropical North Queensland, however there are a number of other distances for all abilities.  

Around 200 cyclists are also expected to pedal out from Port Douglas on The Whitelion Jungle Ride on Saturday, October 29, through 90km of spectacular scenery to Cape Tribulation.

There are 90, 120 and 180km ride options for riders of all levels, from recreational cyclists through to elite athletes. This non-competitive, charity event is a fundraiser for underprivileged youth.

Jess Uhlig, General Manager for the Great Barrier Reef Marathon Festival, on November 6, said registrations were up by almost 40 per cent on last year.

“This year’s event is shaping up to be the best yet, with registrations from all over the world, including Germany, the United States and Canada, as well as domestically from New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia,” she said.

“This year’s competitors will be running with event ambassador and Olympic champion Steve Moneghetti, as well as Rio Olympian Jess Trengove and Best Job in the World winner Ben Southall.

The Marathon Festival injects an estimated $2 million into the Douglas region over the three-day festival, with the introduction of the Reef Recovery Day touring package on the Monday post-event supporting this.

Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree executive officer Tara Bennett said the region’s calendar of world-class sporting events leading up to and including the premier marathon festival were becoming more important, attracting valuable tourism dollars and showcasing this region not only in Australia but internationally.

“To offer really strong sporting events is a huge draw card for the region, attracting not only international and interstate competitors but also competitors, families and supporters from closer to home,” Ms Bennett said.

Ms Bennett said the release of affordable flights from a number of airlines also bolstered the events making them even more appealing for out of town competitors.

“There are fantastic airline deals at present. An example of this is Tigerair, who is offering $59 one way fares between Brisbane and Cairns during this travel period, so it is worth jumping online or visiting a travel agent to check it out,” she said.

The region’s sporting events will round out with the Port Douglas Marlin Challenge from November 10 to 13.

“This event has been in place for many years, attracting upwards of 20 multi-million dollar boats from across the country,” she said.

Statistics show 85% of the world’s 1000 pound marlins are caught in our local waters.

Registrations are open for all the upcoming sporting events. For more information go to www.visitportdouglasdaintree.com.