What an epic and memorable weekend for Yamba Triathlon Club.
Hosting our 7th Yamba triathlon festival, we welcomed a record number of 470 participants to compete in various events and divisions including the kids’, Tempta and Sprint triathlons, as well as the Aquarun and Aquabike races.
The weather gods shone down on us, as competitors took to the start line. After a few early morning showers, we were greeted with overcast weather which presented good swim conditions with Whiting Beach waters being calm but cloudy and the ground dry and winds light for the cycle circuit. Then the sun put its hat on as participants put their best foot forward for the run leg.
Needless-to-say there were smiles galore, as those old and new to triathlon, crossed the finish line to the rapturous cheers and applause from an exuberant crowd of supporters, family and friends.
Excitingly, Yamba Triathlon Club led by example securing a flurry of PBs and podium places – congratulations to Nick O’Brien for coming 1st and Max Little for coming 3rd in the 35-39 men’s sprint category; Jason Culton came 1st in the 50-54 men’s sprint category; Darren Adams came 1st in the 55-59 men’s sprint category; Regan Allard came 1st in the 30-34 women’s sprint category; Kim Elvery came 2nd in the 65-69 women’s sprint category and to our legends Rhys Fischer who came 2nd and Keanu Staader who bagged gold in the men’s opens sprint.
Also flying the flag with Yamba Multisport Club, in the Tempta Tri was Hayden Kelvin who competed for North Coast Academy and secured 1st male in 16-17 age bracket; Sanne Little came in 1st female in the 12-13 age group; Harlan Bews came 1st in the kids 9-10 category and Anthony Seul came 1st in the 60-64 men’s category.
Also, congratulations to Leanne Campbell on completing her debut Yamba Sprint Tri and first time Tempters Emma Ridgeway, Kate and Chloe Edwards, and Carl Gilbert who came 2nd in the 55-59 men’s category.
A huge well done to everyone who joined in the fun over the weekend and of course a round of applause and enormous thanks to the unsung heroes the day – our countless volunteers who are the backbone to success the event. Without their support and tireless work behind the scenes and on the day, our incredible triathlon festival would not be possible.
A huge shout out to our sponsors, too – Velocity Physio, McDonalds Yamba, First National Real Estate Yamba, Swift Multisport, Yamba Bowlo Sports & Leisure, NSW Triathlon, North Coast Triathlon, Yamba Surf Lifesaving Club, Hammer Nutrition, Yamba Heated Community Pool, National Storage, Vorgee, Tarkine and Yamba Multisport Club – your generosity and support makes our wonderful little triathlon community’s world go round.
As well as hosting a triathlon on our home turf, some club members were racing up the coast in the Qld Tri Series held at Robina. In a very hotly contested race with equally hot conditions, our YMC members secured great placings – Angus 15th, Zoe 17th, Collette 7th, Yasmin 4th, Ronnie 5th. Awesome results guys, you did us super proud!
Safe to say it was a cracking few days or swimming, cycling and running, and a thrill to celebrate triathlon, showcase our wonderful Yamba Multisport Club and glorious town, as well as encourage old and new to our sport. Well done and a heartfelt thanks to all – see you next year!
Ruth McCarthy