Today’s 32nd running of the Devonport Triathlon turned out to be a special occasion in more ways than one for age group winners Matthew Rundle and Melissa Clark.
 
Originally from Devonport the 30-year-old Hobart-based Rundle scorched the 40km bike and 10km run course after admitting to an average swim to run away with an impressive victory in the overall men’s category – a win he dedicated to his wife Abby and new-born son Harrison.
 
Just moments after raising the victory banner, Matthew was quick to find Abby with six-week old Harrison in her arms – an equally proud father and race winner.
 
“I really wasn’t expecting too much as I haven’t been getting my usual training in with some sleepless nights with the new baby but maybe less training is a good thing,” said Rundle, who’s extended family were also on hand to cheer him home.
 
“I had a pretty slow swim, was able to make up some time on the bike and managed to hang on in the run.
 
“I am originally from Devonport and moved to Hobart 10 years ago, so it’s nice to return and take out the home town event.
 
“I’ve been addicted to triathlon since racing at Ironman Melbourne and was lucky enough to compete in the Hawaiian Ironman in 2014 – a tough race but I would love to go and do it again.”
 
Rundle powered home to clock 2:00.12 ahead of Andrew Scott (2:03.25) with Andrew Rolls (2:04.36) third.
 
Women’s winner, local mother of two-year-old twins, Melissa Clark, was that stoked to claim the victory she did cartwheels across the finish line, for a victory two years after giving birth to son Noah and daughter Tessa.
 
“I wanted to prove to myself that I could come back and do it and prove to other mums that you can have kids and you can come back and still do what you want to do and actually I think I’m racing better than ever,” said Clark, who notched her first Devonport victory after seven years of trying.
 
“After giving birth to the twins I spent 18 months out of the sport but when my doctor said I was allowed to start running again I got back into training and really enjoyed it.
 
“I’ve had a lot of experience on this course and this is the first time I’ve won this race and it was totally unexpected.
 
“I started to cramp up on the bike and just hoped they would go away on the run and they did.”
 
Clark clocked 2:16.46 ahead of Ella Coates (2:17.36) and Stella Foley (2:23.19) third.
 
And like Matthew Rundle, Melissa also has a goal, to complete another Ironman before she turns 30.
 
She has already conquered Ironman Port Macquarie and she’s showing that anything is possible and “Super Mum” is probably a fitting tag.
 
FULL RESULTS: