ON Sunday morning at 6.30am, 80 men pulled on their wet suits, plunged into the harbour, pressed into their pedals then pounded the pavement in a powerful effort to complete the Coffs Harbour Triathlon Club “Bring a Mate” event at The Jetty.
This is the second year of the event, and it attracted guys who pulled together to make up a team to cover off the three disciplines as well as gym junkies who haven’t been on a bike for years.
Even Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh swapped out the swim with mate Paradox Media CEO Chris Grieve, to do the bike and run duathlon.
The Men’s Bring a Mate Triathlon brought together guys for mental health, movement and fun.
“All of the registration costs from today’s event go to Sawtell Men, a local group which runs a free exercise program and supports men and families in our region who need it,” Coffs Harbour Triathlon Club president Chris Hamilton told News Of The Area.
“[The] great turnout highlighted how supportive and engaged our community is in taking on a healthy challenge and supporting one another.
“The club is honoured to share its history and sport with so many today who completed a Triathlon for the very first time.
“Our club members, volunteers, sponsors and committee are an amazing group and, again, showed what can be achieved with teamwork and a positive goal.”
Coffs Combat Academy coach Shane Cassidy points the finger at mate Blake, whose sister is a Tri Club member, as the reason for him bringing a group along for the Mates’ race.
“It’s for a good cause; the event is unreal.”
Gosling Group CEO Matt Gosling was invited by a friend, Boambee Football Club’s Jake Stitt, and said it was “a great way to spend a Sunday morning”.
A gym fanatic, Matt described himself as a participant who thought he would never do a triathlon in his life.
“Would I come back in two weeks’ time, no, but will I come back and do this again in the future, absolutely.”
The club’s Women’s “Finish Lines not Finish Times” open event is on Sunday morning 7 December.
“It’s open to all and you can make up teams or miss out one or another of the disciplines, just to take part and have fun,” Chris said.
By Andrea FERRARI
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