SALLY MCLEAN
RCMC Multisport athletes have battled rain, wind and testing race conditions at the Sunshine Coast IRONMAN 70.3, with Dave Murtagh claiming his first age-group victory.
Murtagh finished first in his division in the demanding Mooloolaba event, earning qualification for the 2027 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The race began with a 1900m ocean swim off Mooloolaba Beach before competitors tackled a gently undulating 90km bike course towards Coolum and back twice.
The final challenge was a half-marathon run along the seashore and Maroochy River.
Christine Kinlay also delivered a standout performance, finishing third in her age group after battling the wet and windy conditions including a tough bike leg where simply staying upright became a challenge.
Kate Gayner showed similar determination, pushing through the inhospitable weather to complete the event.
For several RCMC Multisport competitors, the Sunshine Coast race also served as an important hit-out ahead of IRONMAN Port Macquarie in October.
