The Whitsunday’s premier triathlon club had an enormous December, being represented at two amazing events to end 2022.
Greg Martin completed the full Ironman in Busselton, Western Australia, representing the Whitsunday Triathlon Club (WTF), while Mark McConkey and Karen Maddock completed the Taupo 70.3 half Ironman in New Zealand.
Mr Martin – or ‘Marto’ to his friends - turned 60 this year and completed his fifth Ironman since he turned 20, roughly one each decade.
His triathlon career has taken him to competitions at home in Australia, and abroad to France and Switzerland.
Locals Mark McConkey and Karen Madden trained hard with the aim of conquering the 70.3 in New Zealand in December.
Mr McConkey had completed many half Ironman distance events but this was Ms Madden’s first endeavour at this distance as an individual.
The pair travelled all the way to Lake Taupo in New Zealand for this iconic event, which they both completed totally spent but thrilled.
They were confronted with a cold, freshwater swim unlike the warm Whitsunday waters.
Mr McConkey said he “looked up at one stage to see a Maori War canoe fully crewed keeping an eye on swimmers!”
The 500-metre run uphill to transition was daunting with the cold and rainy conditions. Trying to change into cycle gear was a real challenge.
The bike course on open roads also had challenging head winds, cross winds and steady drizzle. Both entered the run course with heavy legs and sodden gear when halfway through, the sun came out and both came home with severe wind and sun burn.
“Overall, a very picturesque course with some tough conditions and challenging sections but well worth the experience of completing a Half Ironman,” Mr McConkey said.
Whitsunday Triathlon Club President Michael Kimpton said they were extremely proud of the efforts its members.
“They train hard, focus on achieving and enjoy the friendship of the sport of Triathlon,” Mr Kimpton said.
“Everyone is now looking forward to our home event the Airlie Beach Triathlon on July 30. Looking forward to as many locals as possible to give it a go, and to the rest of the community for support and encouragement.”
Mr Kimpton said volunteers were still being sought and are an essential part of making this event happen.
“Feel free to visit our website and check out the benefits of helping to keep this Iconic annual race going,” he said.
“Well done, Marto, Karen, and Mark. Looking forward to bigger and better challenges in the future as our club blossoms with new exciting talent.”
Locals Mark McConkey and Karen Madden competing in New Zealand in December
Greg Martin completed the full Ironman in Busselton, Western Australia. Photos supplied
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