Previous year’s Ironman volunteers Claire Wakeling and Richard Hine achieved their dream on Saturday, finishing the 2010 Bonita Ironman, Claire in a time of 12.12.23 and Richard in 11.58.38.

The two volunteers won the opportunity to compete at last year’s volunteer function and won a free entry and coaching package courtesy of Events Capital, the event marketing arm of the Taupo District Council. Any volunteer at the function who has not previously entered an Ironman event can go into the draw to win. The winners are drawn live on stage with the recipients called up to say a few words.

This year’s winners Christine Belfit and Andrew Forde are both excited about the challenge of competing in next year’s Ironman.

Warwick Hall of Events Capital says “We put this initiative together as a way of acknowledging the enormous collective effort and contribution made by the volunteers each year, without which there would simply be no race. Both Christine and Andrea are pretty fired up, and we know that when the big day comes they will receive huge support every step of the way from the entire volunteer family.”

Local businesses are also recognising the contribution made by both events and volunteers and are coming on board to assist Christine and Andrew with Belmoral Bikes offering free mechanical and bike fit. “It’s great to see” says Warwick, “any other businesses interested in helping can give me a call.”

Wayne Reardon is in his fifth year as race director and says that each year the accolades come flooding in about the volunteers and the way they look after athletes’ every need from race start to finish. “They are widely recognised as the best in the 22 qualifying race series around the world. So this is part of the way we can give back to the volunteer family and helping others achieve a dream.”