Starting next week in the Bendigo Advertiser, the Bendigo brothers will document their training weekly in the lead-up to the February 24 event. 

More than 800 children will gather at the QEO for the local running of the national triathlon competition for seven to 15-year-olds, which attracts about 37,000 competitors Australia-wide.

Billy, seven, is embarking on his first triathlon and will be one of the youngest competitors, scraping into the age group because he turns seven the day before the competition.

Older brother Jack, 10, is an old hand at the event, tackling the 100-metre swim, three-kilometre ride and 500-metre run for the second year in a row. Jack said his best leg was the cycling, but he enjoyed all three activities equally.

“I love all of it. I like how it’s three different sports in one,” he said. “I also like riding really fast.”

Father and triathlete David Meade said the event gave the children a great sense of accomplishment at the end.

“It’s nice and safe for the kids. It’s all about participation,” he said. “The kids love it. They get to race in front of the crowds at the QEO, the roads are closed off for them and they all get a medal at the end.

“It’s a real achievement.”