Athletes make a splash

The competition will be fierce at Sunday’s IronMan and IronWoman series at Coolum Beach.

Delly Carr

AUSTRALIA'S fittest and most dedicated athletes return to Coolum Beach on Sunday for the penultimate round of the Nutri-Grain IronMan and IronWoman series.

But you do not have to wait until Sunday to soak up the supercharged atmosphere of elite surf competition.

To get everyone in the mood for the spectacular racing, Coolum Business and Tourism and the Coolum Beach Surf Life Saving Club have planned a weekend of activities, starting with the free screening tonight (Friday) of the classic ironman movie, Coolangatta Gold.

The 1984 movie, starring surf lifesaving legend Grant Kenny and a young Colin Friels, - and featuring Guy Leach - starts at 6.30pm on the big screen in Tickle Park.

On Saturday at 8.30am, invited nippers from local surf clubs will be treated to an "Ironkids" breakfast, attended by top series competitors.

Surf club administrator Shane Urban said Sunday's round five not only showcased the best athletes from within surf life saving but was also an opportunity, through national TV coverage, to highlight Coolum Beach as a premier holiday destination.

"With the event being outside the regular holiday period, it will also provide an injection into the business community at a time when trade is traditionally a little slower," he said.