More than 1600 athletes took on the 11th edition of Ironman 70.3 Sunshine Coast on Sunday.
The event included a 1.9km swim at Mooloolaba Beach, a 90km return ride along the Sunshine Motorway and a 21.1km run through Alexandra Headland and Maroochydore.
The race was held on closed roads. It attracted serious athletes and first-time competitors eager to challenge themselves after months of training.
Ben Hamilton and Milan Agnew won the men’s and women’s professional divisions.
New Zealand’s Hamilton crossed the line in 3hr39min17sec, a minute and a half ahead of defending champion Nick Thompson.
“I’m feeling pretty good, on top of the world. First pro win which is really special,” he said.
Brisbane’s Milan Agnew won the women’s race in 4hr07min51sec, less than 30 seconds ahead of Sophie Malowiecki.
“I’m really happy and proud that I was able to do it,” she said.
“This is as close to home as I’m going to get, so I’m going to call this my home race, and to come here for the first time and get the top step is pretty special.”
Sunshine Coast mayor Rosanna Natoli said the event was a boon for the region.
“By supporting one of Australia’s largest and most successful Ironman 70.3 events since 2013, the Sunshine Coast has received a significant boost to our local economy and reputation as a world-class destination,” she said
IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast was supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
The Sunshine Coast Council supports IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast through its Major Events Sponsorship Program.
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