Wow! What a day! Fantastic to have such a high profile Ironman on Aussie soil!
Started in the dark - literally - and ended at midnight!!!! A long but exciting and rewarding day!
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The professionals enter the water after being announced individually onto the beach
Really? We are going to swim in the dark!? |
Luke was on fire and giving it everything - 2nd out of swim; in the lead pack for 150km of the bike leg; out onto the run course in the top dozen. Unfortunately he encountered a challenge which disappointingly forced him out of the race 20kms into the run. We felt for him because we know how hard he worked for this race! BUT it is all behind him and he's moved on to focus on his next race - all part of the life of a professional triathlete! We are very proud of him!
Prior to the race Luke received a great inspirational and motivational quote from his aunty - Julie had been reading a book about the McKenzie family and sent it to Luke - and he loved it! It was his mantra on his forearm for the race.
"Just been reading a book Dad gave me ages ago "Those people from Skye, The McKenzie Family" - it has our line in there. I have only ever seen the McKenzie motto written in Latin & no translation. The motto is" Luceo Non Uro" - the translation is "I shine not burn". Thought it might be inspirational for Luke." Julie
It wasn't his day but he did SHINE while he was out there!
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Team McKenzie getting organised for the swim start and
the big day! |
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Not my bad photography :) but a super speedy Luke in transition -
2nd out of the swim! |
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| Great new race kit and helmet! |
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| At the 90km turnaround and off onto lap No2 of the bike! |
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| Out onto the run |
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| Heading out along the Frankston Boardwalk |
Coach Pete was extremely pleased and proud of his athletes successes.
ALICE- No 80 had a great swim and bike but had to pull out of the run due to a knee injury - she had the injury prior to the race and had rested but the niggle kicked in so a wise decision not to continue and make it worse Disappointed for her but there will be many more great races for Alice! She has a wealth of experience having done 9 IM races. Great race kit from SOAS Racing - triathlon apparel for women.
Alice is a wonderful ambassador!
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| Alice heads out of transition |
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| At the 90km turnaround heading out on the 2nd lap - she's smiling! |
PETE No 106 was a first time Ironman and he was AWESOME! In 10hrs and 10seconds he was over the finish line! Fantastic result!
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| Very happy athlete and coach! |
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| YOU ARE AN IRONMAN! |
CAROLINE No 1428 - Number 7 is her lucky number so she saw her race number as a great omen!
What a blinder of a race! Caroline was focussed and trained with dedication and total commitment - combined with her athletic talent it was fantastic to see her achieve a 40 minute PB in her second only Ironman. A well deserved podium finish in her age group - 2nd!!! and a Hawaii spot!!! Awesome!
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| Race questions and advice |
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| Caroline and her trusty steed |
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Time to get ready for showtime!
Charlie watches mum get ready for the swim and her big day out on the course |
A big congratulations to Alice's and Caroline's sister, Grace, who also nailed the race! These sisters are good!!!
We had a great day watching the race and cheering for the athletes with Nev and Carol ; and Alice's, Caroline's and Grace's family.
Nev and Carol's daughter, Belinda Granger, also had a great race and a fantastic result, coming 10th in the professional women. Her hubby Justin also did really well in the professional men. A terrific day and terrific results for them! - well deserved!
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| Belinda preparing for the race |
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| A quick transition |
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Belinda at the 90km turn around - powering! So strong on the bike!
Great result Belinda!
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It was an interesting concept having the split venues, and while it was a logistical challenge for spectators to get from Frankston to St Kilda to see their athletes finish the run, the athletes loved the course - very scenic running around the Bay! Frankston and St Kilda and the race organisers made it a fun and eventful day for the spectators
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| Dawn - just! The excitement builds for the age group swim start. |
A very nice venue at the Frankston Waterfront - there was plenty of room for spectating
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| Spectators readying to watch the athletes come into transition |
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| Always an impressive sight to see a sea of bikes in transition ready to "rock and roll"! |
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| Lots of characters wandering around entertaining the spectators |
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Heading along the St Kilda Boardwalk towards the finish line
Can imagine the athletes were pleased to see this view after 42 kms |
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The finish chute
Crowds, music and happy athletes!!!! |
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