Amanda Gowing, Vicki Nicholson, Dennis Piltz and Michelle Lee all conquered the Olympic-distance triathlon course (1500 metre swim, 40 kilometre bike ride and 10km run) in humid conditions, among more than 8500 competitors.

Gowing was pleasantly surprised with her time of 2.23:53 (with splits of 25:49 for the swim, 1.11.13 for the ride and 46:50 for the run), considering she had been training for the much longer West Australian Ironman in Busselton next month.

“Having not trained specifically for this type of event, I was a little cautious how my body would respond,” Gowing said.

“But to walk away with a six-minute personal best time, and a 10th placing for my 30 to 34-year women age group was pleasing.

“My swim leg wasn’t as quick as I was hoping for, and when I got on to my bike, I had to remind myself that this was only a 40 kilometre ride, meaning I had to push myself a little harder.

“Overall, I was feeling fresh and have pulled up OK, which bodes well for Busselton on December 7.

“Between then and now, I’ll have two long rides and two long runs, before starting three weeks of peaking and tapering off before the event.’’

Fellow Rats member Michelle Lee said she was stoked with her time of 3.10:35 (swim: 35:37, ride: 1:12.19, run: 1:07.38), considering she was carrying a hip injury into the event.

“You can’t ask for much more than beating your own personal best time, so I’m happy with the result,” Lee said.

“I’m happy for Vicki Nicholson who achieved her goal and broke the three-hour mark.”

Nicholson’s time of 2.55:16 (swim: 35.08, ride: 1.19:21, run: 1.00:46) just edged out returning Rat Dennis Piltz, who recorded a 3.01:00 (swim: 32:06, ride: 1.21:00, run: 1.07:53).

In events closer to Mount Isa, the Isa Rats held a duathlon, with 15 competitors challenging themselves on the 1.5km run, 15km ride and 1.5km run course.

Adam Chapman claimed line honours, clocking a time of 40:24, which included splits of 5.49 run, 29:11 ride and 5.24 final run.

Geoffrey Marsh (42:01) and Chris Bennett (42:03) finished second and third respectively, with Tammy Green the first woman to finish in a time of 46:04.

The club also held a 3km run, which was taken out by Lexine O’Donnell and Melinda Walker (both 33:13).

Stephanie Huhs (54:24) claimed the 5km run, as Felicity Milligan (59:09) took out the 10km event.

■DUATHLON RESULTS: Adam Chapman (40:24), Geoffrey Marsh (42:01), Chris Bennett (42:03), Christopher Lovejoy (45:29), Tammy Green (46:04), Benjamin Milligan (47:29), Scott Adams (48:03), Simone Marsh (48:15), Janelle Stuart-Russell (49:32), Victoria Corner (52:47), Kristy Lanser (54:11), Carolyn Leben (54:11), Jack Leben (54:58), Cynthia McFarlane (55:14), Rosina Oliver (1.02:44).