A PUMPED pack of 96 women swam, cycled and ran their best in the Coffs Triathlon Club’s annual Women’s Open Race on Sunday morning, 7 December.
With personal stories of bravery, self-set speed goals and collegiate teams sharing the load, the girls gave it their all, raising around $1,500 plus goods for Pete’s Place, the local drop-in serviced hub for those at risk of homelessness.
Attracting women from outside the club to “try a tri”, the Women’s Open Triathlon offers a range of distances and combinations of the three disciplines.
“We welcomed lots of new faces, with so many first-time athletes stepping up and giving it a go,” club spokesperson Alira Capararo told News Of The Area.
“The beautiful weather conditions set the scene for an absolutely cracking morning filled with encouragement, laughter, and the incredible spirit of our club.”
Occasional participant Kelsey Van Gastel, whose brother and Triathlon Club member Sam “made” her race, took up the cycling portion of the Super Sprint event as part of a team.
“I was out of gas at the end,” she said.
It was the transitions that first-timer Morgan Lewis found tough.
“Mum and I did a half marathon recently so we thought we’d change it up to a well-rounded triathlon, but we need to train up on the transitions.”
A group of occupational therapists from Coffs Harbour Hospital teamed up for the event “for fun”.
Mia Lefebvre from the team said she felt “accomplished” afterwards.
Kirsty Condran, who rallied the OT team, was inspired to do the race after seeing it on Facebook.
“I did the Women’s Race in March this year (seven months after giving birth) and felt the club’s friendly vibes and thought it would be great to make up a team.”
Shelley Larner and Alisha Collis from Grafton saw the race as training for the Camino de Santiago walk they have booked in for June 2026.
“We were motivated as a pair, looking to each other for encouragement, cracking jokes and having a giggle and we made it to the end…it was about participation not gold medals,” they said.
The men of the club were out in force, cheering everyone on and cooking up a post-race breakfast.
“A tonne of fantastic prizes went out, adding to the excitement, and everyone who raced today has been invited back to enjoy another free event with us later this season,” Ms Capararo said.
Race Director Ado Hawke added a huge “thank you” to all the amazing women who came along and gave it their all.
“Your enthusiasm created such a positive atmosphere, and together we’re also sending off a wonderful donation to Pete’s Place Coffs Harbour.”
Pete’s Place Manager Gai Newman spoke at the prize presentations.
“Our service is powered by community; it came about by people asking for a place to have a shower, to be able to make themselves a coffee, and it would not be able to exist without people like you donating,” she said.
“We see around 110 people every day, people who are sleeping rough or have accommodation but cannot afford to pay for their daily needs.”
By Andrea FERRARI
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