Tim's Chicken Butchery and Market St Stitches Race #6 Run-Swim-Run - 21 January 2024

Back to racing in 2024 started with our Aquathon over two distances. A big welcome to returning members and athletes that included David Leckenby, Matt Moffatt, and Shaun Lawer while terrific to see a number of visitors taking up one day licenses. To all first timers and new participants welcome to the Club and the 2023-24 season!

46 athletes competed in the Enticer and Sprint distance Run Swim Run event with 11 doing the Enticer and 35 the Sprint. In the men’s Sprint event, visitor and local runner Will Davies smashed a great time in the lead out run of 17:36 and was able to sustain a lead through the fastest swim of the day in 14:12 and negative run split. Will was solidly chased by Ben Rose who teamed up with Hudson Barry for the swim however second place went to Pat Brennan in 56.52 and Adrian Hawke coming through the pack with great pacing 3rd in 57:30. For his efforts Will scored a $50 voucher with thanks from Club sponsor Fisherman’s Coop for fastest on the day. Special mentions and thanks to Ben for partnering up with Hudson in the swim. 

In the women’s Sprint first finisher was Alina Hill in 1:03:25 followed by Mel Sylvester in 1:08:06 and 3rd to Annabelle Swainston tussling it out with Andrea Burth for a close finish in 1:12:17.  

In the Enticer, Sam Smythe came home first in 31:21 with Dean Caton second in 34:46 and Julie Whitton third in 36:22.

Our race today was made possible with the support of our sponsors Market Street Stitches and Tim’s Chicken Butchery at Coffs Central. Please support Jenny and Alice Williams at Market Street for any of  your stitching needs – even wet suits can be adjusted (very handy to know)…. and for the BBQ put on by Tim at Tim’s Chicken Butchery at Coffs Central, thank you!   

And to Mick McFarlane, former Committee member and Race Director, thank you for cooking and attending to our new BBQ that Mark and Shaun successfully acquired through the week. A special thank you to all volunteers for your contribution. Our race can’t happen without you, and Brad Henry was nominated as volunteer of the day for turning up super early and just getting in and making it happen with help from Michael Singleton, Wendy Maley, Fiona Bryant-Smith and Sam Birch. Special mentions too for David for helping out Kathryn with the timing – very much appreciated.

We also acknowledge the support of the Toormina, Moonee and Sawtell Hotels for their ongoing support. Meal vouchers were made available to category winners. 

Full results can be found on the website at http://www.coffstri.com/results.html. For those using Strava, the race report can also be found there. 

For future Club supported coaching sessions for members and TA members check out Facebook and Instagram posts and an eye out on your Email inbox.

The next race on 4 February 2024 is the John Daffy Memorial Race sponsored by Ventoux Cycles over 1km/30km/7.5km distances and the usual Enticer and Aquabike and Aquathon options.   Following that is Trial Bay on 11 February, always a great event and part of the North Coast Series. Look forward to seeing you at training and on 4 February! 
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Peter Birch
Race Director