Tens of thousands of triathletes try to get one of the coveted ironman spots every year. Only 1800 succeeded in 2009, three of them were from Coffs Harbour.

Conditions on the day were hot and windy for the gruelling 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and 42.2km run.

Melissa Bulloch, from Emerald Beach, had a sensational race, culminating in a sixth place finish in her age group.

After the race she was exhausted, but very satisfied to have recorded a personal best on the course with a time of 10 hours 50 minutes 21 minutes.

Sixty-one year old Anne Grundy finished third in her age group, just over a minute behind second place.

Her 13 hours 8 minutes 37 seconds was inspiring, as was her elation and sheer joy as she soaked up the atmosphere as she surged down the finish chute.

Andrew Rowlings succumbed to severe dehydration during the bike leg and was unable to finish, but is looking forward to racing the distance again.

Meanwhile, another local triathlete Paul Courtney competed in the World Long Course titles in Perth last weekend over a 3km swim, 80km cycle and 20km run.

Paul had a solid race and enjoyed the experience of representing Australia and the euphoria of having the spectators giving 100 per cent support while on the course.

The Coffs Harbour Triathlon Club races are well underway for the season, with record numbers, including many new faces enjoying the early Sunday morning starts from the yacht club.

For more information about the Coffs Harbour Triathlon Club phone Norman Howard, 6658 3577, or Andrew Rowlings, 6651 5937, or visit the club’s website at www.coffstri.com