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It was another excellent weekend of fun and fitness as the Half Ironman Triathlon brought the Busselton Festival of Triathlon to a close on Saturday 01 May 2010. 1358 individuals were scheduled to start the race, with 1292 crossing the finishing line after the 1.9 km Swim / 90 km Ride / 21.1 km Run.
Defending champion Luke McKenzie made it three in a row, blitzing the competition to be home in 3:47:18 hr, 4 ½ minutes ahead of Tim Reed, with Tim Berkel in third place. Lisa Marangon’s 4:21:45 gave her the female title, ahead of the WA duo of Kate Bevilaqua and Katrina Mercer. McKenzie and Marangon both led from start to finish and were simply too strong for the rest of the field.
Busselton provided its trademark weather for the 25th year of the WA State Long Course Championship Triathlon, it’s been the home of this race for the past 9 years. Geographe Bay was flat, the wind was relatively well behaved and the day didn’t really heat up until most of the athletes were across the line. This race has come a long way since Busselton’s first hosting in 2002 where a mere 379 competitors took part. With entries selling out within weeks, you can be assured they will sell out within days next year.
226 teams of either 2 or 3 members joined the individuals on the course in what will likely become the stepping stone for many to try their hand at the whole thing next year.
Before the adults started their race, the Kids Triathlon was held the day before with over 100 children between 7 and 15 years out to have fun. The weather kicked up a bit of chop, which saw the swim changed for a short run to keep everyone safe and warm. Excited kids were met by a number of Professional athletes at the finish and took home some great prizes as well as the satisfaction of taking part.
A special mention has to go to WA Fire Fighter and age group athlete Brad Hosking who completed the run leg of the event in his full Fire Fighter’s outfit and breathing apparatus. Brad is raising funds and awareness of the Tour of Duty Run, in support of the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation Children Burns Unit. His run time of 1:38:18 was remarkable in itself, but when you consider that he was carrying an additional 13.8 kg of equipment on his back, the achievement was even better.
Detailed results and photos are now on the website – www.busseltonhalf.com
Editor’s note: As well as writing for us, Steve was in Busselton to complete the Half Iron Man himself. At a total time of 6:25:37, Steve showed grit and determination, and comes away from the event smiling with a well earned sense of achievement. Well done Steve, and no, we don’t care if you’re sore, you did it to yourself and we know you’ll probably do it to yourself next year.
Editor’s other note: Steve’s run time of 2:45:11, from a pretty fair level of fitness also shows just how gutsy a run the Brad Hosking leg in full breathing apparatus is.
Steve comes to us as a journeyman who has a passion for writing and connections in sport at player and organising level. A young man who has a willingness to work hard and an eye for the details about what’s going on and who’s making it happen.