Lester takes out Ironman

QUEENSLANDER Carrie Lester capped an outstanding season yesterday by winning the Ironman Australia triathlon at her first attempt.

It was Lester’s first ironman-distance triathlon and also the first time the 29-year-old had run a marathon.

Despite her lack of experience, Lester beat 2007 winner and Hawaiian Ironman top-10 finisher Rebekah Keat in the 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42.2km run event.

Lester crossed the finish line at Port Macquarie in nine hours 23 minutes and 50 seconds, with Keat second in 9:33:10.

New Caledonian Patrick Vernay continued his domination of ironman triathlons in Australia, winning the title for the fourth consecutive year.

Vernay has also won Ironman WA twice.

He finished in 8:23:54 with Scottish triathlete Scott Neyedli second in 8:27:58.

Trent Chapman, racing as an age grouper, was third in 8:32:52 and he was the best-placed Australian.

Lester has enjoyed an outstanding few months, starting last September when she won the 25-29 age group at the world Olympic-distance triathlon championships on the Gold Coast. She also won the national long-course title.

Most recently, Lester was fifth at the inaugural Abu Dhabi long-course triathlon.

More than 1500 competitors started Ironman Australia, among them federal opposition leader Tony Abbott.