Kingscliff-based triathlete Adam Chadburn has come home fast to win the first race in the Kingy Challenge swim and run on Sunday morning.
Chadburn came out of the swim in Cudgen creek on Sunday morning in second spot but a fast transition saw him start the run first. The rest of the field were unable to reel him in and he finished the course in 18mins 10seconds. He finished just ahead of a fast finishing Josh Brown (18.19) and Luke Chaffer (19.03).
Fourth home and first women to cross the line was Ella Heiniger in 21.07.
“I do triathlons, so I probably had an advantage over the surf lifesavers” Chadburn laughed.
“It’s the first time I’ve done the race and it was a nice little hit out. I actually liked the fact that there was no sun – it kept it cool.
“I’m definitely coming back for the next one.”
Cold rainy, overcast weather kept numbers down, with some of the more well-known competitors including rising surf-lifesaving stars the Hancock sisters, deciding to wait until the second race rather than risk injury with a couple of major events coming up in the next week or so.
However organisers were still happy with the way it went and are looking forward to it being bigger and better for race two on December 9. The event is a major fundraiser for the Cudgen Headland surf club and is open to all competitors. A walk was also planned for those not feeling energetic enough to take on the run – however weather conditions so that postponed until next time too.
