About 7,000 triathletes are set to compete in the feature race at the Noosa Triathlon ©Getty Images

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has welcomed the return of the Noosa Triathlon to the region in the "golden runway" to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.

About 7,000 triathletes are set to compete in the event, comprising of a 1.5-kilometres swim, 40km bike ride and 10km run, on Sunday (October 30).

The feature race is due to be held on the final day of the Noosa Festival which got under way yesterday.

International athletes are set to compete at the five-day festival for the first time since 2019 after the 2020 edition was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Palaszczuk said that the Noosa Festival would generate more than AUD22 million (£12.3 million/$14.2 million/€14.1 million) for the local economy.

"The Noosa Triathlon is a pinnacle sporting event, ranked in the top 10 triathlons in the world," she said in a statement.

"The event brings tens of thousands of people to the region each year, supporting nearly one million direct visitor nights and providing a valuable boost to local businesses.

"In the golden runway to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Queensland is forging ahead in cementing the state as the top destination to host world-class events."

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Noosa Triathlon is part of the
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Noosa Triathlon is part of the "golden runway" to Brisbane 2032 ©Getty Images

Susan Ewington, acting chief executive of Tourism Noosa, added: "We are proud to be the home of the world's largest Olympic distance triathlon, and we look forward to sharing our stunning beaches, coastal pathways, national parks, and lush hinterland with visitors from all around Australia and the world.

"The festival offers a fantastic line-up of events for all ages and fitness levels, and we can't wait for visitors to soak up the atmosphere and take part in the world-class events on offer."

It will be the 39th edition of the Noosa Triathlon that is also set to include the 5km ASICS Noosa Breakfast, 2XU Noosa 1000 Ocean Swim, Noosa Superkidz Triathlon and 5km ASICS Noosa Bolt.

"This is an event that is incredibly important not only to the triathlon community but to the local community and we’re thrilled that we’re back in action once again," said Geoff Meyer, managing director of the Ironman Group Oceania.

"We’re thrilled to be able to welcome athletes back to the event from across Australia and around the world, with athletes set to travel from all corners.

"After the challenges of the last few years it’s great to be able to have the event back to full capacity."