Tough ‘lronman’

Press, 27 December 1985, Page 3

Tough ‘lronman’

Nelson reporter The 77 who competed in Nelson’s annual “Ironman” contest yesterday encountered the worst conditions experienced in the six years the contest has been held. Graham Postles (Nelson) proved himself the strongest of all the iron men and women triumphing over rain, hail and wind to win by the narrow margin of 17s from Tony Woodall (Nelson). Both men are previous winners of the event, Postles in 1981 and Woodall in 1982. The weather was warm enough when the contestants plunged in to Nelson Harbour for the 800 m swim to the Boulder Bank. The 11km run along the bank of boulders of all shapes and sizes was the most gruelling part of the journey. The runners faced a stiff north-easterly,

and rain showers and a hail shower not only added to their discomfort, but greased the boulders over which they ran.

Woodall was lying second to Postles at “Sewerside Drive” but it was Woodall who mounted his cycle first for the 16km ride back to Nelson. Postles was at this stage about 300 metres behind. With the wind at their backs, the two men fought out the end of the contest. Postles passed Woodall near the Atawhai Cemetery and cruised home an easy winner. This year four women competed but again the winner was Sue Hawes who was the first woman home on each occasion she has competed. She finished tenth over all in the excellent time of lhr 38min 58s. Results: Postles lhr 30min 3s, 1; Woodall 1:30.20, 2; Steven McKnight 1:34.36, 3; Nigel Wilson 1:35.10, 4,