Sunday, September 25, 2011

2011 Coolangatta Gold

It's not often that a 30km race comes down to a sprint finish, but yesterday spectators witnessed one of the closest Coolangatta Gold finishes in history between BMD Northcliffe Clubmates, Courtney Hancock and Elizabeth Pluimers. The two girls went head to head in the final 7.5km sand run. In the end it was Courtney Hancock who had just that little bit more left in the tank to secure her first victory in the event. Elizabeth would have to settle for 2nd place as she collapsed after crossing the line. Other BMD Northcliffe athletes to finish in the top 10 in the womens race were Harriet Brown in 8th and Kristyl Smith in 10th.

In the Mens race, illness almost forced BMD Northcliffe's Cory Hill who was runner up in last years Coolangatta Gold to withdraw from the race before it had even begun. Cory pushed on to finish a credible 6th place. Other BMD Northcliffe Ironmen to finish in the top 10 were Cameron Gordon 5th and Stuart Snell in 7th place.

In the 30-39 Female Masters event, Tiarne Smith claimed her first victory in the event and Richard Bedford finished 6th in the 50+ Male Masters event.

For all results including split times, click here.