The TriPort Festival at Port Douglas' Four Mile Beach on Saturday, September 7, was marred by at least two traffic accidents and fierce winds that forced the cancellation of swim legs.

Originally, the distances for each event were:

• Half Iron Distance Triathlon - 1.9km swim / 90km bike / 21.1km run
• Olympic Distance Triathlon - 1.5km swim / 40km bike / 10km run
• Sprint Triathlon – 750m swim / 20km bike / 5km run

But event organisers cancelled all three swims to ensure the safety of participants, with one athlete in the Olympic Distance describing winds of up to 25 knots.

Local identity Kevin 'Kstar' Eldridge's acted as professional emcee for the first time during Saturday's event. "I thought the event was organised very well," Kstar said. "The crew and support staff were brilliant, and the competitors themselves, as well as their friends and families cheering them on. They were all upbeat, positive and vibrant."

"I think TriPort is a great addition to the social calendar and an excellent contributor to the local economy. It showcases our beautiful environment and just brings people together who are obviously enjoying themselves," he said.

"I admire the athletes greatly, and will be happy to watch them test themselves again in 2014. Naturally, I'd be happy to again "talk the talk" rather than "walk the walk"...it's much easier from the sidelines!"

More details to follow...

PICS Emma Groves, Rosie Wang