Local talent blitzes Hawaii
The recently held Hawaiian Iron Man is regarded as the ultimate test of human endurance. Competitors swim 4km across ocean up to 30m deep, then cycle 180km at speed and finish by running a marathon (42.2km) across barren, dried up lava fields in temperatures that exceed 40 degrees Celsius.
Aussies punched above their weight this year, with about 150 entrants in the 1800-strong field. Craig Alexander won for a record second consecutive year, with another Aussie, Mirinda Carfrae setting a course record for the marathon leg and placing second overall in the women’s. Another Australian over-achiever was Inner West local Tim Reed, 24, who placed 2nd in his age division and 62nd overall.
Nearly taking out his age group in Hawaii and finishing in the top 10 Australians has given him a huge boost, Reed said, as he now prepares to step up to professional racing. Already he has sponsorships from Brooks and Oakley.
Less draining on the body are half-course events and Reed plans to compete in more of these, as they enjoy growing international popularity.
– By Roger Hanney
