Ali Day claims record-equalling fifth Coolangatta Gold

It was always going to be a big ask. Shannon Eckstein was coming back after a 10-year break from the Coolangatta Gold to try and stop Ali Day equalling his brother’s record.

But, the 34-year-old couldn’t keep pace with the defending champion, seven years his junior.

Ali Day has fended off Eckstein to claim his fifth Cooly Gold today, equalling the record set by Caine Eckstein in the endurance ironman event.

Courtney Hancock defended her crown, taking home the women’s title after crossing the line in front of Allie Britton, Danielle McKenzie and Georgia Mille.

She then paid tribute to late ironman champion Dean Mercer, who died suddenly in August.

Courtney Hancock @courtz_hancock pays tribute to Dean Mercer @coateshire @slsaustralia #cooliegold

A post shared by Lanes Of Gold (@hansonmedia) on Oct 7, 2017 at 7:06pm PDT

The day started off with minute’s silence to remember Mercer, a former Cooly Gold competitor.

Darren Mercer fires the gun to start the 2017 @coateshire #CoolieGold in honour of his late brother Dean in an emotionally charged morning at Coolangatta

A post shared by Lanes Of Gold (@hansonmedia) on Oct 7, 2017 at 3:29pm PDT

Mercer’s older brother Darren then fired the starters gun as the elite athlete’s ran into the waves.

Coolie Gold champ @alastairday talks to @kurtmillshanson @coateshire #cooliegold

A post shared by Lanes Of Gold (@hansonmedia) on Oct 7, 2017 at 6:50pm PDT