A GROUP of nine Coffs Harbour athletes competed in the UKG Ironman and half Ironman events in Port Macquarie on Sunday 5 May.
Disappointment barely describes the emotion the 2000-plus registered athletes felt when the organisers cancelled the swim portion of the events at 4am on the morning of the races due to poor water quality after continued rain.
The racers rallied however with 860 finishers in the full distance and 1191 finishers in the half distance event.
Coffs Harbour competitors Dean Caton, Megan Bailey, Adrian Hawke, Brad Henry, Nick Newling, Joe Quiring and Richard Bolt completed the full distance event, alongside Jenni Williams and Caron Mackie in the half distance.
“There were thousands of supporters from all over the country and in fact the world attending the event,” Dean Caton told News Of The Area.
“This is what keeps bringing me back – the unbelievable support on course from random strangers, fellow competitors, non-participating club members and family and friends.
“It is the reward for all those lonely training hours.”
It was a difficult day from a mental perspective, Dean said.
“The news at 4am that the swim was cancelled was a challenge.
“Lots of messages and phone calls ensued and had us all questioning our participation.
“We had all invested a lot of time and money, and for that to go to waste it would have been a shame.”
Having completed three Ironman races in the past, Dean found himself questioning the need to push hard and participate, given his time could not be compared to previous races.
In the end he pushed through, experiencing the thrill and theatre of the finish line once more.
“If I could bottle the feeling you get in the last few kilometres of the run and then the trip down the red carpet on the finishing chute I would,” he said.
“I don’t think I haven’t been emotional about that yet. It makes me emotional just thinking about it now.”
For Brad Henry, Port Ironman was a physical and mental test, and the culmination of six months of early morning and late night training.
“When I could fit it in around working away and training whilst still trying to be there for my family,” he said.
“Ironman is as much a part of a journey for your loved ones as it is for yourself.”
Happy with his efforts on the modified course, Brad said he has “unfinished Ironman business” in Port Macquarie.
Nick Newling’s road to Ironman participation began several years ago.
“The road to Ironman started about three years ago when I dusted off the closest semblance of a jogger that I owned, laced up and went out for a 5km run,” he said.
“800m in, gasping for air, clinging for life… I fell in love with running.
“Then came the bike, then the wetsuit, then the 15 pairs of $250-plus shoes.”
Having “nearly become an Ironman” in Port Macquarie, Nick’s journey continues.
“All but the swim,” he said.
“To be continued.”
Another finisher, Richard Bolt said curiosity and a “healthy dose of peer pressure” encouraged him to sign up.
“The training was challenging but when it came to race day it all felt worth it,” he said.
“It was a day of celebration for all that hard work.
“I loved seeing my friends and family out on the course cheering me on.
“Crossing the finish line was an amazing feeling.
“I’ll be back for sure.”
By Andrea FERRARI
