Reigning Coolangatta Gold and Nutri-Grain Ironwoman champion Lana Rogers says she has experienced an “emotional” lead-up to the iconic race.
The Alexandra Headland athlete won the gruelling event in 2019, before it was cancelled due to COVID-19 in 2020.
Then this year’s edition, to be held on Sunday, November 14, was postponed for a month.
So, it’s been a long and somewhat anxious wait for her title defence attempt.
“I’m nervous and excited at the same time,” she said.
“Last week was a little bit emotional, realising that the Gold is just around the corner, but I’m looking forward to it.”
Rogers has prepared by training with Blair Day, brother of six-time champion Ali Day.
“I’ve been able to do my Saturday sessions with Blair Day, and he really keeps me honest,” Rogers said.
“Being able to train with Blair, and having an extra four weeks with the postponement has only made me tougher.
“We do the Gold for a reason – we want the satisfaction of completing one of the toughest endurance races,” she said.
Rogers is the two-time reigning champion in the elite Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Ironwoman Series champion and she is the 2018 Australian ironwoman champion.
But the Coolangatta Gold is a genuine endurance test, compared to the other summer features.
The 41.8km event features a 23km ski, a 1km run, a 3.5km swim, a 6.1km board and an 8.2km run to finish.
It is regarded as the toughest endurance race on the surf sports calendar and is the traditional start of the season.
The race traditionally attracts competitors from around he country, but the impact of COVID-19 has limited this year’s competitors.
And this year’s course has been altered, with Coolangatta acting as the central transition point, to account for the reduction in volunteers and officials who would normally travel from New South Wales and Victoria to assist with water safety and event delivery.
Surf Life Saving Australia Sport Manager Wayne Druery said competitors and clubs were excited the race was able to go ahead, despite challenges.
“The Coolangatta Gold is such an iconic race, steeped in history and we are delighted to see it return this weekend,” he said.
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“For so many it signifies the start of the surf sport season and whilst disappointed that not everyone from across the country is able to get to Queensland, the season is here and there are many events to come in the next few months.
“This year all of the transition points will be in and out of Coolangatta.
“This was necessary due to the limitations on water and safety officials who are unable to travel into Queensland in support of the event but it should make for a great spectacle for those who are able to come along and see all the action first-hand.”
Matt Bevilacqua is the reigning men’s champion.
There is also a short course race (21.5km) to be held on Saturday.
The Coolangatta Gold is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and is a feature on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.
Going for gold
- Coolangatta Beach, Gold Coast.
- Short course (21.5km) on November 13 from 7.30am, long course (41.8km) on November 14 from 7.30am.
- Various age group divisions, including open.
- Broadcast on Channel 9 on December 12, from midday to 2pm.
