The Return of the Coolangatta Gold

Sunday 16th October saw the return of the "Coolangatta Gold" event. The mens race started with the ski leg from Surfers Paradise to Greenmount(23km), followed by a 600m run to Coolangatta, then a 3.5km Swim, another 4km run, a 5.5km board paddle and finally finishing with a grueling 10km run leg from Burleigh to Surfers Paradise. In total, a grueling 46.6km. It was a suprise victory by 19 year old Caine Eckstein, with Northcliffe's Jeremy Cotter in 2nd and Caine's older brother, Shannon in 3rd place.

The women's event was conducted over a 25km distance with a 10km Ski, 5.5km Board, 2.5km Swim, finishing off with a 7km run. Northcliffe's Hayley Bateup took out the race, followed by West Australian Alicia Marriott, and Northcliffe's 18 year old Elizabeth Pluimers in 3rd. Northcliffe women filled six of the top ten positions, with Kristy Cameron in 4th, Sheree Merryfull in 6th, Flora Manciet (Frenchy) in 8th, and Britt Collie in 10th.

Below: Coolangatta Gold Winners, Hayley Bateup & Caine Eckstein
Photos courtesy of Harvie Allison Photography