Race Five - 25 November 2018

Thanks to our race day sponsors, Cando Cancer Trust and Palate & Ply Espresso Bar.

Awesome weather meant we had our biggest turnout this season with 96 participants. Congratulations to everyone that graced the Lycra today, regardless of fitness levels and shapes, you are all champions for having a go. Big welcome to our visitors and new members , we hope you enjoyed out little parcel of paradise.

Sprint Event
74 athletes lined up for the sprint event. No surprises in the sprint for men with Isaiah Koopmans holding a comfortable 3min buffer to claim first in front of an improving Mick Ylinen . Mick's time of 1.03.57 was enough to hold off Matt Moffat in 3rd with a 1.05.07, just shading another young Mann named Jyii, who had the day's 2nd fastest run split.

Just 2 1/2mins separated 5th to 10th, with some terrific battles on show. Richard Hudson had a great all round performance. Trev Fidge never puts in a slow one, Mark Garner raced with a bit more zip after last weeks Yamba spoils.

The Moree mauler, Tony Burgin had a great race and looked fresh as a daisy at the finish. Good to see the brothers Brennan back in stride today. Bailey Offord continues to impress, a slick swim getting him off to a great start. Mark Griffiths battled gamely, Steve Thompson started his HOW training with a solid hit out. Rory Evans improves each race, and great to see Mick Stubbs amongst it again, while Chris Rowthorne busy banking a heap of frequent flyer points , but found time to smash out a good time.

Tom Handel, Gary Ward, Tony Cross and Pete Giddins raced well, great to see club sponsor Dave Reynolds back into it. Kenny Crabb had a train free race, and Lloyd Mason was consistent as always.

Well done to all the lads.

In the ladies, and Shannon O'Hara continues to rack up well earned wins. Her time of 1:10:32 was enough to hold off Lake Taupo bound Kate Marsden - good luck in the half IM Kate.
Julie Darlow had a ripping good run to close out 3rd placing. Lyndal Benyon had a 20second advantage over Lois Oliver who looked very strong on the run .

Well done to Jo Fergusson and stepping up to the long course, Melissa Shaw smashed it big time, handicapper will be acknowledging her effort. Kylie Sholz had a terrific first up race, and Hayley Fuller pulled out a PB.

A chatty Alira Bayndrian improves with each outing, and Rachael Hennessy had a very fast run split, one to watch. Great to see Marg Roberts back up from last weeks HB100, Katrina McFarlane said ciao to Europe to get back into it, Caron Mackie was ultra consistent, and Wendy Maley is always smiling, a luxury to get away from Mick for a bit.

Kristin Pigram looked comfortable, Krispie had a good even performance, while Skye Ravenscroft had her customary strong swim. Top marks to Amanda Tutty, while Charmaine Harrington warmed up for next weeks Kingscliff event.

Well done to all the ladies today.

Enticer Event
The enticer event saw 22 on the sand line for what looked like a typical Doughty long swim course.
Sheldon Koopmans grabbed the choices with a super fast swim, pushing Lachie Marle into 2nd, but he had a ripping run split of 12mins. Welcome back to Tom Ylinen grabbing 3rd.

Emma Sutton was First Lady across the line, and wonderful to see Yukka Ylinen back on course. Joel Randel claimed 2nd fastest run split and Kath Robson continues to improve.

Mick Darlow just shaded fellow wheelie Hank, while Shone junior had it over Shone seniors.
How good is it to see Grandma of the year back on course again, Leeann Lloyd smiling from start to finish.

Good effort from everyone today, great racing and plenty of support all round.

Massive thanks to our volunteers today, had some great help from the kids today, special mention to Birny who controlled the distribution coffee keep cups.
Big thanks to Jorja Wells for capturing today's event.

Some important events are creeping up fast:

XMAS PARTY - 9th December -  all members and kids are welcomed. It promises to be a fun afternoon with no competitive antics happening at all, yeah right

MEAT RAFFLES - part of our partnership with Moonee Beach Tavern, each Sunday of December and January, starts next week.  It's only 1hour, and the upside is enormous as we will put the proceeds towards a family day early 2019. Moonee Beach Tavern has just been voted best family pub in NSW, so this is a chance to get out see what all the fuss is about.

Don't forget, next race is a chance to pace yourself over a slightly longer course.
The enticer will also be on.

Safe training


PT.