Aussie athletes target podium at Gold Coast T100 Triathlon
The Gold Coast T100 Triathlon arrives on 21 to 22 March 2026 as global stars and Aussie athletes race.
What’s happening?
The inaugural Gold Coast T100 Triathlon will bring world-class endurance racing to Queensland on 21–22 March 2026.
Australian triathletes Ellie Salthouse and Danielle De Francesco are preparing to race against the world’s best women in the opening round of the global T100 series.
Brisbane-based Salthouse is aiming for her first T100 podium after fourth-place finishes at the final two events of 2025 in Qatar and Wollongong.
De Francesco has secured a wildcard entry and will make her T100 debut at her home event on the Gold Coast.
More than elite racing will take place during the weekend. Thousands of amateur competitors are expected to join mass-participation events, including a 100km triathlon, an Olympic-distance triathlon, and a 10km fun run.
Why it matters
The Gold Coast event launches the 2026 season of the T100 Triathlon World Tour, placing Queensland on the global stage for endurance sport.
It will attract international athletes, visitors and media attention while showcasing the region’s strong sporting culture ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
Queensland Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell said the event would deliver strong tourism benefits while highlighting the state’s ability to host major events.
“The event is estimated to draw in close to 10,000 attendees, generate more than 15,000 visitor nights and contribute approximately $4 million to Queensland’s economy, ensuring benefits reach our local accommodation providers, hospitality venues, and tourism operators,” Mr Powell said.
“This is a great opportunity for Queensland and the Gold Coast to again step onto the global stage and demonstrate our ability to host major events in unbeatable destinations and highlight our strong sporting culture.”
Local impact
Events Management Queensland CEO Ben Mannion said the Gold Coast T100 adds another major sporting event to the region’s calendar.
“This is one of the most exciting events to come to this city and is another opportunity to celebrate our sporting culture and passion ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics,” Mr Mannion said.
“This is a feather in our sporting cap, and the EMQ team is pumped and proud to share in the delivery of another spectacular event for the City of Gold Coast.”
The event is supported by Experience Gold Coast and the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
By the numbers
Organisers estimate close to 10,000 people will attend the Gold Coast T100 Triathlon weekend across elite and community events.
Interstate and international visitors are expected to generate more than 15,000 accommodation nights across the Gold Coast.
The event is projected to contribute about $4 million to Queensland’s economy through tourism, hospitality and local business spending.
Zoom in
Ellie Salthouse said racing at home adds extra motivation for the season opener.
“It’s so exciting to be able to kick off my season at home on the Gold Coast T100 Triathlon,” she said.
“My T100 finishes at the end of last year were really encouraging and I’m aiming to kick on and get onto a T100 podium this year. Doing that in my home race next month would be a great way to start 2026.”
Danielle De Francesco said receiving a wildcard entry for her first T100 race was unexpected.
“I really wasn’t expecting to receive a wildcard so I am very excited to be taking part in my first T100 event,” she said.
“To be able to represent Australia and the Gold Coast against the best in the world is such an honour.”
The pair will face a strong international field led by reigning T100 champion and world number one Kate Waugh of Great Britain.
Other contenders include Switzerland’s Julie Derron, who finished second in the 2025 series, and American Olympian Taylor Knibb, the 2024 T100 World Champion.
Zoom out
The T100 Triathlon World Tour features races in global destinations including Singapore, San Francisco, London, Lake Las Vegas, Vancouver, Dubai and Qatar.
Each race covers a 100km endurance format consisting of a 2km swim, 80km cycle and 18km run.
The Gold Coast round marks the first time the city has hosted a T100 event.
What to look for next
Attention will turn to the opening race of the 2026 T100 season on 21–22 March as elite athletes compete alongside thousands of amateur participants.
Community races are already attracting strong interest, with the 100km mass participation event selling out in nine days.
There are still limited places available in the Olympic distance triathlon and the 10km run on 22 March.
Participants can register at https://t100triathlon.com/gold-coast/participate/
Professional Women’s Start List
Kate Waugh (GBR)
Julie Derron (SUI)
Taylor Knibb (USA)
Ashleigh Gentle (AUS)
Ellie Salthouse (AUS)
Sara Perez Sala (ESP)
Hanne De Vet (DEN)
Lotte Wilms (NED)
Alanis Siffert (SUI)
Natalie Van Coevordan (AUS)
Daniela Kleiser (GER)
Marlene De Boer (NED)
Lena Meissner (GER)
Imogen Simmonds (SWI)
Katrine Graesboll Christensen (DEN)
Nicole Van Der Kaay (NZL)
Jessical Fullagar (GBR)
Danielle De Francesco (AUS)
Regan Hollioake (AUS)
Chloe Hartnett (AUS)