Hot Conditions and even Hotter Times - Bribie 2009.

Race records came crashing down for the 3rd year in a row at this year’s Bribie Multisport. Tides were perfect for the swims and kayaks which led to the fastest times being recoded in the races 3 year history for all legs except one.

Race champion, Glenn Kirby, was quick out of the water in the first swim and set a fast pace on the first 8km beach run. Sam Stow was in form and pushed the pace up in this leg with the fastest solo beach run.

Glenn dominated the first paddle, clocking the fastest time ever on this leg. This saw him hold a healthy lead at the start of the 20km mountain bike. Bryn Somers made his move on this leg, putting in the fastest time for this leg and giving himself a 2 minute lead going into the technical 9km run. Kris Plain in third and Sam Stow further back in 4th also had fast bike legs and begun to catch Bryn and Glenn. The run saw Bryn extend his lead on Glenn. A very fast run from Sam saw him close to within striking distance of Kris.

As they headed off on 7th leg, the last mountain bike of 30km, the heat was taking it’s toll on both Glenn Kirby and Kris Plain. Sam Stow was able to take advantage of this passing them both and moving into 2nd place. Glenn was overtaken by Kris dropping off the podium into 4th place.

A final sensational kayak by Glenn wasn’t enough to catch up with Bryn, Sam or Kris.

Bryn Somers annihilated the previous over all race record by 31 minutes, and won the race in 5 hours 35 minutes. Sam Stow followed 7 minutes later with Kris Plain 8 minutes after this. All managed to smash the previous course record of 6 hours 9 minutes.

In the Solo Female category, it was a one woman race, with Jaqui Kelly taking an incredible 44 minutes off her previous race record to finish in a time of 6 hours 22 minutes. Jaqui led from the start and made up most of her time on the MTB and Kayaking legs. Ali Wright, fresh in the country from Edinborough, came in 2nd in a time of 6 hrs 48 minutes. Kellie Epis rounded out the podium and took out the womens Veterans, with a time of 6 hours 57 minutes.

The fastest overall team was Phoenix Adventure Gold, who finished in 5 hours and 59 minutes.

The new Bribie Half was narrowly won by Steve Nichols from Melbourne. He out ran 2nd place, Paul Hill, to win the inaugural event. Melissa Munroe won the women’s solo category, crossing the line only seconds in front of Tarnia Smith.

Detailed results are on the website.

Over all, it was a great day with 269 of the 270 starters making it to the finish line. The Bribie Multisport will be back in 2010 with the date scheduled for the 18 April 2010.