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.
The day started off with minute’s silence to remember Mercer, a former Cooly Gold competitor.
Mercer’s older brother Darren then fired the starters gun as the elite athlete’s ran into the waves.
