The 2010 Straddie Salute - Sunday October 10th

While most took cover from some of the heaviest rainfall to hit QLD in decades, over 350 competitors headed outdoors and took on the third annual Straddie Salute Off-road Triathlon held on North Stradbroke Island last Sunday.

With water conditions less than ideal for the planned 600m ocean swim, organisers opted for ‘dry' land and competitors were instead faced with a short on-road dash before embarking on their 18km mountain bike ride and 8km coastal run.

On a date that may have had the superstitious sweating (10-10-10), 2009 winner Rob Symmons kept his cool in the testing conditions and powered to an early lead on the mountain bike leg.

The comfort of the bitumen soon made way for Straddie's offroad trails where the adventure really began. The endless puddles and surface water added some unexpected challenges, but competitors thrived in the mud showing no signs of yielding to the weather - the photo below of Scott Thomson says it all.

Symmons was the first arrival at transition and had established a comfortable lead on Graham Norman in second place. He was then peerless on the trail run securing his second Straddie Salute victory close to 4 minutes clear of second place, George Tamblyn, in a time of 1hr 8 minutes 33 seconds.

Sara Finch was dominant in the women's field lifting her first Straddie Salute title in a time of 1 hr 28 minutes, 3 minutes ahead of Renee Witt in second.

Although many supporters were happy to cheer from the comfort of the Straddie Beach Hotel, mud coated competitors were all smiles as they crossed the finish line and not the least bit deterred by the driving rain. In fact, many claimed that the squally weather only added to the adventure!

Accepting his trophy from Redland City Mayor, Melva Hobson, Rob Symmons expressed his thanks for another memorable Straddie Salute and added "even in these conditions this race was still so much fun...I'm already looking forward to next year!"

The latest addition to the Straddie Salute's weekend of events, The Unimin Straddie 1000 Ocean Swim, was also held on Saturday Oct 9th with Brisbane based swimmer Codie Grimsey taking the inaugural honours and $1000 cash prize.

A typical Straddie weekend generally includes surfing, fishing, whalewatching and sundowners at the Beach Hotel, but now it would seem doing a triathlon fits comfortably on the Straddie ‘To Do' list.

If it's an island adventure you're looking for then set your sights on the 2011 Straddie Salute - you'll be in good company.

More information can be found on this event on the Straddie Salute event page - CLICK HERE

Ends.