TRIATHLETES in all their spandex-wearing glory descended upon Hawks Nest once more for the annual fisiocrem Hawks Nest Triathlon, run by Elite Energy on Saturday 29 November.
The town’s immaculate beauty and supreme flatness was once again utilised, transforming several main roads into bike and running routes, while Bennetts Beach played host to the swimming legs.
Over 700 triathletes competed in three tiered events (based upon distance), with competitors travelling from around NSW as well as interstate and abroad.
Grey skies in the morning gave blessed relief from the 35-plus degree heat of recent days, although the UV was still hitting 11 ‘Extreme’, and not even an all-morning blackout in the Hawks Nest area could derail the annual event.
From 7:30am, local volunteers including Tea Gardens Lions Club members began marshalling at Providence Bay Park, and directing cyclists and runners down Tuloa Ave and Mungo Brush Road, then out along The Anchorage and Boulevarde to Winda Woppa and back.
The Lions’ famous barbecue ran red hot, feeding the masses at the start/finish line, helping triathletes and supporters alike to carbo-load and protein pack the bacon and egg sandwiches.
Light rain spat intermittently from 9am, but no deluge fell, keeping things cool for the first few hours, but the sun came out from hiding closer to 11am, and the summer heat returned.
Just before noon at least one heat-stroke casualty raised the alarm, which was answered by the Westpac Rescue helicopter, the Police and three ambulances.
Seemingly calm waters deceived some swimmers who found out too late that the beach’s waters had more chop than expected, but the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Lifesaving Club (TGHN SLSC) volunteer force was on water safety duty, pulling out over a dozen swimmers suffering cramps or panic attacks.
TGHN SLSC had 16 volunteers deployed, including on inflatable rescue boats and jetskis.
“Conditions were tricky in the water with a six-foot swell,” Amanda Osmond, SLSC Chief Training Officer told NOTA.
“Our Youth Water Safety team did an exceptional job.”
Club Captain Wayne Bower expressed pride for all the “amazing people” who volunteered.
“The feedback from the event organisers was that we did one of the best water safety jobs they’ve ever seen,” he said.
Cyclists, wet backsides and all, set into ‘the zone’ for the long ride into the heart of Mungo Brush Road for the bike portion of the race, the most hardcore heading out for a 36km ride, while most runners did two or 10 kilometres.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
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