FUN AT THE FINISH FOR HOT CURRIE
Records tumble as city turns it on for athletes
BRADEN Currie (left) was not just first across the Cairns Ironman finish line, he was also first to congratulate secondplaced Javier Gomez Noya. The New Zealander smashed the eight-hour mark but still had the energy for a playful celebration with the Spaniard. Women’s champion Teresa Adam also set a course best, but it was the enthusiastic support, perfect weather and army of volunteers who helped make the event a big success.
WITH two record-setting runs and more than 3000 athletes, the Cairns Ironman has reached a new level.
Energy was high throughout the afternoon on the Esplanade as crowds gathered to cheer on the competitors.
Ironman regional director Chris Price said the support from the crowds from Port Douglas to the Cairns Esplanade made it a highlight.
“It’s amazing to see the support the community brings to the event and what that adds to the athletes’ experience,” he said.
A historymaking moment for the event came when New Zealander Braden Currie smashed the eight-hour mark for the pro-men’s, finishing up at 7.55.
Mr Currie said he was looking forward to coming back to Cairns for future events.
“The whole event’s fantastic, it’s a beautiful place and the locals have really gotten behind it and gave me the strength to make that run,” he said.
Currie’s achievement was followed an hour later by another record-setting run from New Zealand women’s champion Teresa Adam at 8.53.
Mr Price said these wins would cement Cairns as a top See the photo gallery online location for the ironman challenge.
“It’ll help international athletes recognise it as a fast course, and while it’s already a regional championship, this will really put it on the map,” he said.
Nearly 1600 volunteers lent their time throughout the festival, many of whom were participating from local groups.
First-aid workers were kept on their feet helping athletes out with fatigue, heat and general stress. Mr Price said the fair weather at the event compared to previous years helped keep serious injuries down.
“It’s always a little bit choppy in the water this time of year, but on the whole it’s been relatively good,” he said.
The Cairns Ironman event has been confirmed to continue running for another five years at least.
Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said Ironman was the perfect fit for the region.
“Council has been a part of this festival since its first year and are proud to continue this relationship through to 2023,” he said.
IT’LL HELP INTERNATIONAL ATHLETES RECOGNISE IT AS A FAST COURSE, AND WHILE IT’S ALREADY A REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP, THIS WILL REALLY PUT IT ON THE MAP