TRIATHLON: School supremacy will be up for grabs at this year's Ergon Energy Kidzpower Triathlon with all facets of a school community set to be tested.

While the students will be encouraged to maintain an active lifestyle by taking part in the junior event, the unique McDonald's School Championships will reveal the true fabric of each school and reward the winner handsomely.

The points-based competition sees each school judged on a per-capita basis with the greater the percentage of students competing in the triathlon, the higher the score.

Race director Steve Jackson said this levelled the playing field and ensured even the smaller schools had a chance to win.

The Ergon Kidzpower Triathlon is set to be staged on Saturday, August 27, and has three highly achievable race distance options to choose from with students able to compete as teams or as individuals.

The races begin as short as a 50m swim, 750m cycle and 150m run for the young and inexperienced competitors or up to a 200m swim, 4km cycle and 800m run for the older or fitter students wanting to compete.

Bonus points however can also be accrued by involving other members of the school community.

Any teacher who competes in the Colorbond Sprint Tri or Asics Enticer Triathlon, whether individually or as a team, also add points to their school teams total.

Schools that provide volunteers for either triathlon also earn points.

Jackson said there was an opportunity for everyone involved in a school to do their part.

"Students who aren't racing, teachers or parents can be a part of the action and help drive their school's push for the title," he said.

"The Airlie Beach Triathlon truly is a test of a school's character and with $1000 worth of sporting goods courtesy of McDonald's and Colorbond awaiting the winner, the competition will be intense."

For more information on the Colorbond Airlie Beach Triathlon visit http://www.whitsundaytriclub.com/airlie-beach-triathlon or speak with your school to get involved in the community event.