It will be the first time since 2011 that the event will be run, with race director Paul Humphreys confident that the rejigged format will prove a major drawcard for experienced campaigners and novices alike. 

Humphreys, a member of the Maitland Triathlon Club and running the show on behalf of H Events, said he was excited to bring the event back to Morpeth for its 19^th year. 

“It’s where sports events all began for us in 1994 and as locals we really love the town and community of Morpeth,” Humphreys said.

“We’ve done a lot of consultation and a lot of businesses and residents are ecstatic that the event is coming to Morpeth.”  

Humphreys is confident that it’ll attract a large contingent from Sydney and Central Coast triathlon clubs.

Local triathletes from the Maitland, Newcastle, Tomaree and Singleton clubs are also expected to flock to the event.

The 2017 version will consist of a 1500m swim, a 40km cycle and a 10km run. 

With easy access to the river, a flat cycle leg around Morpeth/Duckenfield and a fast run leg around Brush Farm Rd, the triathlon is expected to be a popular warm up race for the Sydney Ironman, to be held in Penrith two weeks later.

Humphreys said former Maitland Triathlon Club member and Olympic triathlete Aaron Royal has been invited to attend.

Royal hopes to be in the country after the Nepean Triathlon two weeks earlier.

Over the Maitland Triathlon’ s life it has attracted many famous triathletes including former world and Olympic champions Peter Roberston, Craig Alexander, Brendan Sexton and Belinda Granger.

The event compound will be staged from Queens Wharf Park off Queens Wharf Rd.

Humphreys said the river-side location would help foster a festival atmosphere that would flow on to the town. 

“There’ll be some hungry athletes to feed after it,” he said. 

“We’re confident that everyone is behind it.”