The sunny weather brought spectators out and made sure performances were not hampered by a repeat of Saturday’s chill. 

The event –  called 70.3 because it covers half the 140.6 miles of a standard Ironman – brought an enthusiastic crowd from all over the state and beyond to cheer on their family members and triathlon club mates. 

The top men and women in the professional class finished on either side of four hours respectively. 

Australian long course professionals Annabel Luxford and Matthew Pellow took out the elite competition. 

Mayor Des Hudson was on hand to present the podium medals to the elite competitors, who were spraying the tradition champagne while most of their fellow triathletes were still on the gruelling course.  

He said the event was a great addition to Ballarat, and was clearly impressed with the commitment of those jumping in Lake Wendouree just after 7am. 

“The water was 16 degrees, that’s some courage there,” he said. 

Cr Hudson said the event was well organised and highlighted the number of visitors it had brought to Ballarat. 

“The organisers told me they believe with every competitor there’s five or six support people as well, so you times that by the 1000 or so taking part, it’s five, six thousand people,” he said. 

Cr Hudson acknowledged there was some community frustration with the road closures, but said they had provided enough notice for people to plan around the event. 

“You’re going to always have compromise, when you have big events. it’s good for business, good for tourism,” he said. 

“People need to be aware of what’s going in their community.”  

The future of the event could see it moved to another time of year, with Cr Hudson confirming the City of Ballarat’s interest in holding onto what is a state- and nation-wide drawcard for the city. 

“The organisers are very happy with our circuit, and we would be very keen to continue talking to (them), to continue securing the event, at now or another time of year,” he said. 

“We’re keen to have (it).”