The club was impressed with the numbers, particularly in the long course race.

Pat McMillan started the season in great fashion by winning the male long course in 58.11, which was well under his time in the corresponding race last year.

McMillan continues to train hard in preparation for the half Ironman in Port Macquarie in November.

Club stalwart David Thompson was second and Cameron Scott third.

Tony Gilbey and Harry Guest both completed the long course for the first time.

Sarah Heagney won the female long course in 1.06.53 with Emily Pope second and Jodi Barton third.

Numbers for the short course are expected to build as the season progresses.

Heather Backhouse won the female section and John Scott-Hamilton won the men’s.

There were also 14 enthusiastic youngsters who competed in the kids and juniors races.

Australia has a great record of success in triathlons as evidenced by the recent win by Craig Alexander in the Hawaii Ironman.

Anybody wanting to have a go at the sport is encouraged to come along to the next Armidale Triathlon.

The next event, which will be held on November 8, will incorporate the schools challenge.

Teams must pre-register.

The race briefing will be held at 7.50am and the schools races will start at 8 o’clock. Enquiries can be made to Lea McMillan on 0417 667-859.

Results:

Kids race:

Jackson Gwynne 3.44, Jackson Harris 3.45, Kathleen McPhie 4.40, Lachlan Harris 4.51, Isabel Harris 5.36, Sam Bible 5.47, Lilli-Cate McMillan 6.41.

Juniors:

Sam Jenner 19.57, Naran Singh 20.15, Ben Sullivan 21.21, Kieran Sullivan 23.14, Callam Goodwin 23.23, Georgina Cornell 26.21, Angus Cornell 29.07.

Short course:

Female:

Heather Backhouse 37.17, Gretta Axelsen 39.58, Amanda Garvey 42.33, Phillippa Wadgers 43.55, Jasmine Caldwell 45.03, Sam Beasley 45.05, Anna te Velde 45.15, Emma Mackie 46.22, Jaclyn Lewis 49.49, Leanne McMillan 52.29, Mandy Betts 55.39.

Male:

John Scott-Hamilton 33.35, Harris Grant 36.01, Anthony Kaberry 37.01, Jackson Gilbey 39.26, Chris Cull 39.37, William Allom 44.02, Paul Cornell 48.43.

Teams:

Jenner 33.39, Go Girls 34.02, McSul 35.18.

Long course:

Female:

Sarah Heagney 1.06.53, Emily Pope 1.07.16, Jodi Barton 1.10.45, Karlee McMillan 1.11.01, Emma Garraway 1.11.34.

Male:

Pat McMillan 58.11, David Thompson 1.01.31, Cameron Scott 1.02.43, Ashley Dell 1.05.23, Glenn Mobbs 1.07.10, Steven Dignam 1.10.43, Derek Tink 1.16.39, Peter Haynes 1.18.30, Harry Guest 1.26.16, Tony Gilbey 1.28.32.