He said the club wouldn't normally have many registered at this time of year.

But there are already about 20 signed up.

On top of that, Barnes is thrilled there are new names on the books and fresh faces getting involved in the club's training when allowed.

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The president is hoping to build on the momentum the group has gathered in recent years.

"We had quite an increase at our major events," he said of last season.

He said the Warrnambool Foreshore Triathlon had 30-40 more adults involved compared to the 2019/20 calendar.

Barnes added both Killarney events - in November and March - were up about 30 participants each on the previous summer.

So what worked well?

The president said there were lots of people looking to try to something new after a tough coronavirus pandemic year - especially footballers and netballers.

South Warrnambool open grade netball coach Leesa Battistello got her players involved in both training and events.

And Barnes said Merrivale's Josh Sobey was another mentor that got his players to compete in the foreshore triathlon.

"We hadn't see that before," Barnes said of the footy/netball numbers.

But he can appreciate how it happened given there was no 2020 footy/netball season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"They were looking for the chance to have a good pre-season, have a bit of a goal and something to work towards as a team," he said.

"We haven't seen that involvement before from clubs and we'd love to expand on it."

He said it would be great to see other clubs participate and challenge the Roosters and Tigers for bragging rights.

The president feels there are other aspects that have helped get the numbers up.

The club recently introduced a short course for almost all its events.

Barnes said that catered for both those who wanted to give the sport a try and those who just love the shorter distance.

There was also a longer course at the Killarney Super Tri which invited competitors to test their endurance.

The group also puts a big effort into its culture which was evident at the Super Tri in March this year.

Participants were encouraged to don a splash of colour as it was the club's final event of the season and it celebrated International Women's Day. Proceeds went to Emma House, Warrnambool.

Barnes led the way, wearing a blue afro on his head and tutu around his waist.

"I think everyone liked the idea of a bit of of a party atmosphere," he said.

This season encompasses the same eight events that were held last summer.

Barnes is hopeful the club can have all of them in-person but said it was prepared to be flexible if the pandemic meant people couldn't gather. For example, the club conducted its duathlon virtually last year.

The calendar starts with a duathlon on October 24 which involves a run and bike ride course at Warrnambool's Albert Park.

It's followed by the Killarney triathlon on November 21 at Killarney Recreation Reserve.

The aquathon criteria is on December 27 at Warrnambool foreshore.

The Hopkins Mini Tri Series is back at the Blue Hole in Warrnambool on January 6, 13 and 20.

That will be followed by the Warrnambool Foreshore Triathlon on February 6.

The Killarney Super Tri will round out the season on March 6.

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