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Kadadu Triathlon goes from strength to strength

29 May 2015

One of 112 competitors in the 2015 Kakadu Triathlon, Laura Hensley, in the bike leg. PHOTOS: PETER KEEPENCE PHOTOGRAPHY One of 112 competitors in the 2015 Kakadu Triathlon, Laura Hensley, in the bike leg. PHOTOS: PETER KEEPENCE PHOTOGRAPHY

THE Jabiru community has done it again, putting on the third annual Kakadu Triathlon – an event that just keeps getting better and better! This year the event was even more professionally run than last, with electronic race timing equipment brought into play courtesy of the Darwin Triathlon Club.

Speaking at the event on Saturday 16 May, Kakadu Triathlon Race Director Brett Verity from the Darwin Triathlon club had nothing but praise for the community event.

“This is my favourite event, and I'm into pretty much anything – if there's a race to the letterbox I'll be in it,” Verity said.

There were 112 competitors registered for this year's event, up from 109 in 2014. Spectators this year saw a great mix of well-known and fresh faces in the winners' circle, with local Ivan Petrovic taking the ribbon for the Male Open, a mantle previously held by one of the event's inaugurators, Chris Piggott-McKellar, who led the pack for two years running in 2013 and 2014. Petrovic bettered Piggott-McKellar’s 2014 time of 38:43 by more than a minute, clocking in at 37:33.

In the Female Open, Justine Saunders took line honours in 42.28. Last year’s champion Bryn Pickering again picked up the Male Junior trophy in 39.04, with plenty of fresh air between him and runners up Asha Van de Veerdonk (46:40) and Kye Van de Veerdonk (47:49).
Bryn’s sister Charlotte Pickering won the Female Junior title in 50:52.

The Jabiru Firies team of Mick Hutton, Mike Martin and Justin Gould won the team event for the second year running, clocking the same time as the Male Open winner with 37:33.

Jabiru Fire Station Officer-In-Charge Mick Hutton said the Kakadu Triathlon was a great way to promote the fire service, engage with the local community, and promote healthy lifestyles.

“Plus it's bloody good fun. Jabiru is a community that others need to emulate as far as engagement and inclusiveness goes. The event is a fundraiser for Careflight, but that is almost secondary, it is just an added benefit," Hutton said.

"The event would not be possible without the excellence of (ERA Communities Advisor) Leona Katzer, who has the organisational skills and drive to see it through from beginning to end. Each year it becomes more and more of a professional event.”

He said the short-course triathlon allowed people of varying degrees of fitness to participate.

“I don't know how old the oldest competitor was, or how young the youngest … but it doesn't matter, just being part of it, that was the success of the event.”

Hutton, who did the 250m swim leg of the triathlon for his team, said the water was a little bit “cool” at 6am.

“I did a shocking swim, like I was carrying a brick, but thankfully my other two team members made me look good,” he said.

Mike Martin did the 2.6km run while Justin Gould did the 2.5bike leg.

“Next year we hope to promote the event further, and get more competitors from Darwin,” Hutton said. “Jabiru Area School Principal Learne Dunne has indicated she is happy to engage further with the concept of a Junior Triathlon and clinic to be run on a separate course during school hours. There is also an opportunity for more volunteers to come on board and help with the set-up and pull-down of the event, and enjoy being part of running it."

Winners of the Team Open event, Jabiru Firies. Mike Martin, Mick Hutton and Justin Gould receive their trophy for the second year running from ERA General Manager Operations Tim Eckersley - with a little help from Jack Hutton (front). Winners of the Team Open event, Jabiru Firies. Mike Martin, Mick Hutton and Justin Gould receive their trophy for the second year running from ERA General Manager Operations Tim Eckersley - with a little help from Jack Hutton (front).