HOTW - Festival of Hell - Goondiwindi 2022
Well renowned for it’s hellish course, our athletes were rewarded with epic race conditions, a pristine township and an adventure to remember!
Previously scheduled for February 2022, Covid pushed the start back to April providing us (Coach raced and is writing) with the most amazing race conditions of a 14 degree start (max of 26 degrees), 4 knots of wind and nice water temps. Did we mention that due to a flooded river, we swam in the Botanical Gardens ‘Botangs’, which evidentially sounds worse than what it was!
A crisp start with a 2km swim, that included 3 laps of the Botangs (an open water start, 3 water exits and entries) and into a 3.4km run through to bike transition. Transition was well set-up (for most) for the 80km bike ride… FLAT FLAT FLAT and mostly fast!
A big open space of not much at all, we believe this was the worst to be endured - 40 out and 40 back - simple stats and nailed by the Race Director (RD)! Onto the run, originally 20km was shortened to 16.6km (smack on we must say), to allow for the longer swim to bike transition!
Number 1 rule is never trust a RD, however this one was the nicest that we have ever known! The 3 loops on the run made for fantastic high 5s and cheering of each other. The hospitality of the Community for turning up and supporting this event will be memorable!
A huge congratulations to our fantastic Tribe for giving this race their all - true champions!
Cristian: 25-29yrs: 3:59:37 (1st Place AG)
Jane: 35-39yrs: 4:48:33 (2nd Place AG)
Demi: 25-29yrs: 4:49:12
Sammy: 40-44yrs: 5:01:51
Tayla: 30-34yrs: 5:11:18
Nikki: 45-49yrs: 5:19:20
Lindy: 50-54yrs: 5:47:36
Chrissy: 50-54yrs: 5:49:48
Robyn: 55-59yrs: 5:54:41
Vicki: 40-44yrs: 5:54:45
TEAM Tri-ActiV8 A Team: Female Team: 5:17:43 (Tash & Jose)
TEAM Tri-ActiV8 Hell to deal with Girls: Female Team: 5:48:10 (Pettitt, Jen & TM)
From when we left Mackay, until we arrived home, it was one of the best adventures that we have endured. A 2hour delay home didn’t dampen our spirits in seeing the silos outside of Monto. Quiet country roads, great company and high spirits made this trip a memorable one!