Anaconda Adventure Race
Anaconda Adventure Race National Series, Gold Coast – Largest QLD field and stars aplenty.
Media Release / 12.08.2008
The Gold Coast race kicks off the four round Series with Forster, NSW next on in 3 weeks, followed by the two largest in the Series at Dunsborough, WA on November 2nd and Lorne, Victoria on December 7th where competitor numbers are expected to reach 1500 each. Each race comprises a 1.9km ocean swim, 13km ocean ski paddle, 12km trail run, 20km mountain bike and 3km team beach run to finish. Races can be completed as an individual and for those less hard core as part of a team doing one or two legs only.
Beautiful blue skies greeted the strong field when it set over Tugan surf club. With no surf to cause havoc the gun was fired at 8am and competitors swam their way up the coast to Currumbin Point. Team Epic Kayak’s Nick Cuthberg was first swimmer on the shore with an impressive 2 minute lead over the field. In the individuals, Ben Allen from Wollongong, NSW, as expected, was first out of the water followed by local legend and winner of the last two Anaconda Adventure Races at the Gold Coast, Guy Andrews. Race favourite and current Adventure Racing World Champion, Richard Ussher from New Zealand didn’t lose too much time in his weakest leg and was only a couple of minutes behind.
In the women, Karla Gilbert, former Queen of surf life saving showed what a true champion she is when she exited the water first with a cracker field hot on her heels. After retiring from surf life saving over 5 years ago and then successfully dabbling in adventure racing, Karla was back after giving birth to her daughter Ella 9 months ago and a two year break from racing. Next out of the water was another former surf life saving star, Kirsty Holmes who was
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