A huge turnout of 75 competitors lined up for the mixed format of a 2.5km run, 10km bike ride and 750m swim, finishing with another bike lap and 2.5km run, with many impressive results at both ends of the field.

Richard Pearson powered away to record the fastest time of the day, followed by Marty Cahill and Joel Harrigan.

Melissa Bulloch was the first female home, and was one of many to record faster splits at the back end of the course to edge out Breanna Jozeps and Kath Porter.

This weekend’s race sees another variation to the standard format, with the staging of a teams’ event.

Competitors will be paired up and then race as a relay over a shortened course.

The first leg is a 450m swim in the harbour, followed by a 12km cycle and 3km run along the Jetty foreshore.

Each team will consist of two members, both taking turns to complete the six legs.

It’s a great way for members to get to know each other and compete as a team rather than as individuals.

The teams’ race starts on Sunday at 6.30am from the Coffs Harbour Yacht Club.

Meanwhile, six club members head across the continent this week to race in Ironman Western Australia at Busselton on Saturday.

Conducted two hours south of Perth, this course is regarded as potentially the fastest in the world due to the good road surface and completely flat topography.

Ces Tempone, Peter Wood, Jenni Williams, Denis Jeff, Steel Beveridge and Lyn Fulton are all familiar with this race, having participated previously – so all know what to expect.

The field has grown substantially since the first race in 2004 and will see 1309 individuals face the start line on Saturday.

Check out www.ironmanlive.com on Saturday to keep in touch with the progress of the Coffs Harbour crew.

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