THE Mount Isa Rats sent record numbers away to Townsville to compete in the weekend’s triathlon competitions.
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Eleven Rats competed across two of the five events on Sunday along the Strand, which runs on Townsville’s shoreline.
Ron Pickering was the fastest Rat to complete the Olympic distance, which was only brought in this year.
Pickering finished the 1500-metre swim, 40-kilometre bike ride and 10-kilometre run in two hours, 31 minutes and 47 seconds.
The 45-49 age group competitor finished 112th overall but 12th in his age bracket, which is an incredible achievement.
“We had 11 Mount Isa Rats compete this year, which is great, compared to the five we sent away last year,” Pickering said.
“It really demonstrates the commitment and growing passion around the club at the moment.”
Usually staged in September, the event was moved forward to July with the addition of the Olympic distance, instead of just the Enticer and Sprint races.
“The event was brought forward because it is now part of the actual championships with professionals gaining points for competing,” Pickering said.
“It also acts as a way for athletes such as Ky Hurst, who was there, to qualify for the world championships.”
Tony Crindland was the second Rat to cross the line in a time of 2:44:04, which was good enough to place him 180th overall and 24th in his 40-44 years bracket.
Clayton Green (2:46:14), Geoffrey Marsh (2:46:25) and Andrew Brown (2:49:07) were the next best of the males to compete in the Olympic distance.
Merran Cowper was the best of the female contingent, recording a time of 2:51:11, edging out teammate Leanne Coulthard (3:30:41).
Other Rats to compete over the weekend included Michael Palmer (40-44 years men Olympic distance), Bruce Hume (55-59 Olympic distance), Simone Marsh (35-39 Sprint), Tammy Green (35-39 Sprint) and Justine Callahan (35-39 Sprint).
Pickering believes the club will have a bigger turnout next year, if the growth of the club is a guide.
“I’d expect even more competitors to head to these events in the future and experience the great courses like Townsville,” he said.
“Competing along the Strand is amazing by how scenic and flat the course is.”
“We even had youngsters Natalie and Stephanie Marsh compete on the Saturday, showing the interest from the juniors.”