Triathletes haul in trophies

TOP CLUB: Coffs Harbour Triathlon Club members Jenni Williams, Wendy Maley, Caron Mackie, Jo Magill, Carla Westwood and Steel Beveridge with the award for being the best represented club at the 23rd edition of the South West Rocks triathlon.

CONTRIBUTED

TRIATHLETES from Coffs Harbour have returned from Sunday's Trial Bay event with a swag of medals.

The local triathlon club was well represented with 60 athletes taking part in the 23rd edition of the South West Rocks event.

Such a large group ensured that Coffs Harbour was awarded a trophy before a single race had even begun, winning the Best Represented Club Shield from nearest rival Port Macquarie with 42 competitors.

Athletes were greeted with perfect race conditions with a full tide, still day and a capacity field producing some very impressive results with five age group champions, five receiving runner-up prizes and a further seven taking third spot in their respective divisions.

Richard Pearson was the first local home, winning his category and finishing second overall with a sensational run split that was better than anyone else in the field.

A strong swim and solid bike set up Pearson's day and although he was closing fast in the final stages, ran out of ground to clinch the top spot.

Michael Dougherty had one of his best results.

On the back of a slick swim, Dougherty held out with an improved run leg to win his division. Also collecting top spot in their divisions were Andrew Rowlings, Wendy Maley and Jemma Werrell.

Christine Lefeaux was the first local female across the line, finishing second in her age group.

Other category runner-up finishes went to Ian Howchin, Jenni Williams, Kylie Marle and Lockie Oberg.

Jake Boyd, Leighton Rogan, Jo Kane, Jon Waites, Hadley Black, Carla Westwood and Lachlan O'Reilly all collected third place trophies in their age group.

Incredibly, Steel Beveridge competed in his 23rd Trial Bay Triathlon, making him one of only two people to have raced every year since the event's inception.

The junior races were held on Saturday afternoon with many local children achieving excellent results ensuring the club is in safe hands for the future.

The next club race is this Sunday from 6.45am from the Yacht Club.

For more information about Coffs Harbour Triathlon Club, visit www.coffstri.com or phone Jo Magill on 0401 975 364 or Andrew Rowlings on 6651 5937.