Ironman Melbourne 2013

 

 

Checking out the route from Milanos Bar!

Volunteers preparing watermelon and drinks for the competitors

The worthy volunteers, their day will be a long one

2200 competitors from all over the world gathered early in Melbourne yesterday to compete in one of the toughest challenges on the planet.

The Ironman Challenge.

3.8km open water swim in the sea, 180km bike ride and a gruelling 42km run to finish.

It makes me wince to think about it and I was full of admiration for everyone competing.

The all year round training is gruelling, brutal and relentless, their diet is strict with virtually no capacity for indulgence.

You have to ask what drives people to push their bodies and their minds to the limit like this.

We lined the route at about 34km into the final run. The competitors will be on their reserve of their reserves by the time we see them.

Craig Alexander, who won last year's title

At this stage it is a mental battle even more than it is a physical one. They are truly neck deep in the hurt box and every clap and cheer from the crowd helps.

It was fascinating to watch and be part of the atmosphere.

The men's winner was Eneko Llanos from Italy, we saw him tailing the then leader at 34km and knew he had got it in the bag. Craig Alexander the Aussie and last year's winner came in 3rd.

The lady's winner was Corinne Abrahams from Wales. (The in-laws will be proud). She was incredible and led from the outset.

However, anyone who even manage to finish the course are all winners in my eyes.

 

Well done Melbourne, another huge event brilliantly done!