COLEMAN AND DUTTON SHOW THEIR FORM IN COMMANDING PERFORMANCES

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Gold Coast, Australia - April 14, 2013) Hope Island’s Daniel Coleman took out the win, in the open male field, at the Gold Coast Triathlon – Luke Harrop Memorial in perfect conditions at Southport this morning.

Brisbane’s Brittany Dutton proved that she was a force to be reckoned with by taking out a convincing win, in the open female field, in the sprint distance triathlon today.

Today’s Gold Coast Triathlon featured a 750m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run.

Junior age group triathlete Coleman crossed the line 29 seconds ahead of Chapel Hill’s Nicholas Hull and Chandler’s Giles Clayton who placed second and third on the podium respectively.

Coleman was among the mass pack of ten who exited the water, including Declan Wilson, Hill and Clayton, and put in a solid performance on the bike before steaming through T2, to run away with the win.

“The Luke Harrop Memorial race is my favourite race and it’s great to come away with the win today.

“It’s awesome to see so many people supporting the race here on the Gold Coast. It is such a good day out,” said Coleman.

In the women’s field there was a fast pack of girls who led from start to finish including the Dutton sisters, Brittany and Courtney, followed by Gillian Backhouse, Emma Pallant and Annelise Jefferies.

Brittany Dutton, who has recently recovered from a stress fracture, was thrilled with today’s win and looked comfortable from start to finish.

“It’s only been my third race back so I am really happy with today.

“I have been going really well in my swimming and cycling and I have been getting back to where I was with my running so it’s been good,” said Brittany Dutton.

The 15-year old admitted that she was happy to claim the bragging rights of the win over her sister in today’s event.

“It was my first race against my sister (Courtney) and I am just glad that I beat her.

“This is my last race of the season so I will just wait until the next season. My goal is to work on my fitness and get it to where it was before my injury,” said Brittany Dutton.

Today’s significant event marks the eleventh anniversary of the Luke Harrop Memorial race, an event that pays tribute to Luke Harrop, remembering his zest for life and the race that he loved so much.

It is also the final race in the Luke Harrop Memorial Bursary series. The other two events being Mooloolaba and Noosa triathlons, all three were Luke’s favourite races.

The Luke Harrop Memorial Bursary offers $1000 to each male and female Under 23 athlete for the race win and a bonus $1500 for the overall series winner.

Brittany Dutton and Daniel Coleman were awarded with the $1000 Luke Harrop Bursary from today’s race.

While Declan Wilson and Gillian Backhouse were recognised as the overall series winners of the Luke Harrop Bursary.

Returning to take part in her brothers’ race in a team’s event today was Loretta Harrop, who put in a solid swim leg before presenting the Bursary winners with their cheques and trophies with her father Russell Harrop.

“It’s been such a great atmosphere here today. I feel like it’s one big family when I come to this race and I really appreciate everyone getting involved,” said Loretta Harrop.

“Thank you to everyone for coming out and supporting this event which means a great to me and my family. It celebrated Luke’s love for life,” said Mr Harrop.

In a fitting tribute, Luke’s best mates crossed the finish line together to celebrate his life.

Also taking part in the renowned triathlon at Broadwater Parklands was Australian former professional rugby league footballer, Mat Rogers.

Over 2200 triathletes turned out to take part this morning, a clear affirmation from competitors that the Gold Coast Tri is a must do event on the race calendar.

The athletes swam, cycled and ran in one of three different distances, including the Gold Coast Superkidz, Gold Coast Enticer and Gold Coast Triathlon, making this sport an attractive option for the whole family.

Events such as the Gold Coast Triathlon are pinnacle events for our talented juniors and a fantastic opportunity for first timers, weekend warriors and eager kids. Triathlon is a challenging, diverse and fun way to keep fit for people of all ages and abilities.

Overall Results

Open Male

1.       Daniel Coleman (Hope Island) 00:57:37

2.       Nicholas Hull (Chapel Hill) 00:58:06

3.       Giles Clayton (Chandler) 00:58:26

Open Female

1.       Brittany Dutton (Bridgeman Downs) 01:04:47

2.       Courtney Dutton (Brisbane) 01:05:05

3.       Emma Pallant (Farnham) 01:06:11

For a full set of results visit www.goldcoasttri.com.au

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Ian Hanson