Anne Grundy Memorial Long Course - Sunday April 19, 2026


The annual Memorial Long Course event is held in memory of one of our Club's Life Members. This year it's Anne Grundy (read more below)
  •          The enticer distance will be as per normal - 300m/10k/2.5k
  •          The sprint is a little longer - 1k/30k/7.5k
  •          Please be aware that this is a closed transition race for everyone
  •          Transition will be opened from 5:30am  to 6:00am
  •          Only race gear is allowed, non-race gear to be kept in the baggage area.
  •          We will have 2 x TOs checking your race equipment.
  •          Helmet must be fastened upon entry
  •          Please ensure you know your wave start time and adhere to these times
  •          Non-members - enter here
 
ANNE GRUNDY
27 June 1948 – 11 June 2025

Anne Grundy, known affectionately to many simply as “Grundy”, was a woman of spirit, grit, and generosity. She moved to Coffs Harbour with her family in the early 1980s, raising three daughters here, with the eldest, Lyn, starting school soon after their arrival. Once all her girls were in school, Anne spotted an ad for the Bananacoast Triathlon and decided to give it a go. She always said she was fitter for that first race than any since, though her remarkable achievements to come might suggest otherwise. Riding the bike leg on a ladies’ shopping bike, Anne was instantly hooked. She joined the local triathlon club in 1989/90 and never looked back, remaining a committed and active member for over three decades. Anne wasn’t just a competitor, she was a cornerstone of the Coffs Harbour Triathlon Club. She served as Race Director in 1992/93, Treasurer from 2002 to 2004 and then Registrar until around 2008. From 1996 to 2008 she was also the tireless editor of the club newsletter. Initially it was a team effort after the edit, to print, fold, and post out the newsletter until mailchimp came along. Anne also contributed many articles. Attached is an article titled Training for Forster… A few handy hints compiled by ‘Andy Mandy’, written by Grundy herself and a great example of her trademark humour and writing talent. Anne was awarded Life Membership in 2014/15, nominated by Michael Dougherty in recognition of her extraordinary contribution. Included is the heartfelt letter written in support of her nomination. Anne proudly represented the Coffs Harbour Tri Club at the Club Championships every year from 1996 to 2022, completing 21 events. She competed in countless triathlons and duathlons across Australia, from Byron to Yeppoon, and participated in running events like Bello to Bowraville, Pub to Pub, Sawtell, Dorrigo, and Kempsey. She also tackled ultra events including the 6 Foot Track, Water World, and Sri Chinmoy races, usually more than once. Her marathon journey began in 1991, and she completed at least 20 marathons in Canberra, the Gold Coast, Sydney, and Townsville. Her Ironman story began in 1999 with a Half Ironman at Forster, qualifying for her first full Ironman in 2001 - the same year her youngest daughter, Karen, finished school. She placed 3rd in her debut (12:43:04) and went on to complete 25 Ironman races across Forster, Port Macquarie, Cairns, and Busselton, including one with all three daughters beside her. Her best time was in 2003 finishing in 11.59.20. Internationally, she raced in Austria (1st), New Zealand (2nd), and Switzerland (1st), and she qualified five times for the World Triathlon Championships in Hawaii, first in 2004 (2nd place) and most recently in 2018. Anne also helped foster community off the race track. Grundy proposed supporting the Wrap with Love movement and blended with Jenny Williams suggestion of starting a triathlon club stitch and bitch, together they created the Coffs Harbour Triathlon Club’s Knit and Natter group, initially a way to stay connected during the off-season. Together they supported the Wrap with Love movement, knitting blankets to donate through the Made with Love Foundation. The group met regularly under the Yacht Club, and still carries on today in a less formal way. Beyond sport, Anne had a flair for the creative. She was a talented knitter and crocheter, lovingly making jumpers for her children and grandchildren. She played hockey, golf, loved the opera, and even took piano lessons. She was an exceptional cake decorator, often adding her own handmade poem to go with her beautifully crafted cake. Anne Grundy was a powerhouse, a mentor, a teammate, a mother, a grandmother, and a friend. She inspired many with her dedication, energy, and kindness, and she continues to inspire. She will be missed but never forgotten.