Well that was a fabulous way to end out season out at Killarney this morning! We had a total of 48 participants across our Open and Mini tri events, with another 25 youngsters take part in our kids events – which was fantastic to see. We had lots of 1st time triathletes, those returning after hiatus, and lots of new faces we haven’t seen before which was great – as well as lots of our members and those hooked this season.

With the Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club (thanks legends🙌) – in the water, helping to keep our swimmers safe and reassured – our crew jumped in head first, in what were chilly conditions this morning. Out of the water first was Joey Coote, a newcomer to town, backing up after his recent Geelong 70.30 hit out. Followed closely behind byTom French and Robin Tullett. Gab Lanman was the first female out of the water, followed by Liv Morgan, with the Smith Trio the first team out of the water. Our 5 participants in the Mini Distance took on a 250m loop – and all look very satisfied getting out of the water and onto their bikes.

Our super sized bike course of 3 by 8km laps for the open distance, while the mini participants did 1 of the 8km loops. Winds were low, and conditions close to perfect for Killarney. Jason Dart, made a quick return to transition, after being so caught up in the hype, that he took off with his bike and forgot his shoes… A quick stop to pick them up and he was back on his way. Out onto the bike – we had a couple of bingles at the far corner, but luckily a couple of scratches and no major injuries or damage (to people or bikes!). Ruben made his move on the bike leg, and came off the bike first, followed in by Joey with the chase pack following. Jen Dowie also showed her strength on the bike, first off onto the fun, followed by Gab Labman. Our teams did some speedy changeovers at transition, and our mini participants kicked off their lap.
Out onto the run – the Open course was 2 laps, with the Mini completing 1 lap of the 2km course, encompassing, a run down the basin track, along the beach and around the cricket oval.

Ruben was able to hold onto the lead taking out 1st place in the mens open, in a time of 1:04:31, followed in 2nd place by Joey Coote (1:07:30) and Ben Fahy (1:09:11) taking out 3rd place. Followed in close behind was Robin Tullett, Jase Morgan and Tom French.
Our very own world champion duathlete, Jenny Dowie – was able to hold onto her lead in the run taking out 1st place for the ladies in a time of 1:18:49. Followed in 2nd place was Gab Lanman (1:21:46), and returning to the podium in 3rd place Ilana Jorgensen (1:22:35). The ladies have had a fantastic competition all season – with the challenge at the front of the pack, and all the girls having to work hard to improve with the added competition. With thanks to Ultimate Performance & Rehab, our placegetters in the Open events will enjoy some Pilates classes with Dallas Jones and the team. We had 3 teams take part today, with the team of ‘Quinno & Jase’ made up of Quinton Potgieter and Jason Hoy taking out 1st place with a strong finish in a time of 1:14:23, followed in by the ‘Smith Trio’ comprising Darren Smith, Alison Kenna and Ange Cook– and ‘Powered By Pilates’ Dallas Jones and Prue Nadaraj back out on course and coming home in 3rd place. Our Winning team will enjoy a meal with thanks to the Cally Hotel. Everyone had a smile and look of satisfaction on their faces as they crossed the finish line, especially the Mini Participants, and we thank all competitors and supporters for encouraging and giving cheer on to everyone crossing the line. A fantastic atmosphere in the air.

After the Adults events, we followed onto the kids events under the guide of Pete Varley and Donna Lumb. Donna led our 7 little Under 7’s around a triathlon taster – which saw the kids get their feet wet, a little rid and followed by the run through the finishing shoot to the cheers of family and friends. Our 7-9 and 10-12 year old age groups on course together, with the older kids doing 2 laps of the bike and run, with the younger group doing 1 lap of each. Lots of fun, giggles, a few serious faces and overall a great morning – finishing with a dive towards the esky with the Flavoured milks with thanks to our Saputo Dairy Australia.

The BBQ was firing – and everyone enjoyed a sausage and cold drink – and we want to give a special shout out to Darren and Kerrie Smith – for jumping in and giving us a hand with the BBQ after Darren’s swim, and to Aaron and Baldy for their assistance. Thanks again to Bakers Delight Warrnambool CBD for their continued support of our BBQ fundraisers this year.

Thanks to Ian Barnes for his job as Race Director today – and to our massive crew of volunteers – set-up, course marshalls for all our events, pack up crews – you guys help make our events fun and safe – and we thank you for this. Its fantastic to see everyone taking a turn and getting into the spirit of volunteering at our events! Legends!

We also give a shout out to our club sponsors again; Saputo Dairy Australia, Optus, Central Storage, Taits Legal, UPR and Cally Hotel. And thank Warrnambool City Council, Wannon Water and VicHealth for their support. We will be on the hunt very soon, to re-sign our sponsors for next season, and hope to recruit a few new ones too – so if you have a business that might be interested, please reach out to us.

Well that is a wrap for a fantastic season – with fantastic support from you our participants – we already cant wait to bring you next season. Please come and join us to celebrate the season, at our presentation night this coming Friday (20th March from 7pm). For all the details, please check out of Facebook page, and be sure to let us know if you are coming along.

Location

Killarney Beach