TRIATHLON: There's plenty of action both on and off the course during this weekend's Colorbond Airlie Beach Triathlon.

Racing commences Saturday afternoon with the Ergon Energy Kidzpower Triathlon but it's a jam-packed 24-hours before the event concludes with the main event presentation on Sunday.

Race Director Stephen Jackson is excited about the development in the event.

"We are creating a great Airlie Beach experience for athletes, for spectators, for sponsors and for the community," he said.

"We want to take the opportunity to showcase our sport and our region, to those who visit and to locals. And just like our competitors, we are focused on having fun and getting better."

Major changes to this year's event include:

A massive TV truck showing live footage from the race to the spectators.

The GJ Gardner Homes Café Cart providing free coffees to competitors and reusable coffee cups to protect our precious local environment.

The Hot FM Thunder Truck conducting promotions and live crosses back to the station throughout Saturday afternoon's junior events.

Hundreds of giveaways for spectators across the weekend courtesy of event sponsors.

The Icon Homes Recovery Zone includes the Prickly Pineapple Smoothie Station, Hamilton Island Endurance Series Ice Baths, Vartamana Spa Massage Station, Hamilton Island Karate Club BBQ & Shotz Refuelling Stand.

Two-loop, spectator friendly courses.

The Corry Cycles ride leg heads out to McDonalds Cannonvale and back before returning for a second loop whilst the Abell Point Marina run leg also involves two laps; ensuring that friends, family and fans can stay across the action as it unfolds.

"Besides the stunning backdrop, the real buzz will be centred around the Airlie Beach Lagoon and we'd encourage people to get down to catch the fun. The junior races commence 2pm Saturday while Sunday morning sees our Sprint and Enticer distance events happening from 7am," Jackson said.