A tough day of racing at Ironman South Africa 2011

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The swim was at Orient Beach and, as if the rough sea conditions weren't enough, once participants were on their bikes, the rain came down – and persisted for most of the race.

And then the wind did its bit to make sure participants didn't have things too easy – there was a headwind during most of the course.

Nevertheless, the Spec-Savers Ironman 70.3 South Africa delivered all the excitement and emotion that it promised – and the tough conditions only added to the participants' sense of achievement. And the camaraderie continued to shine through, even though the sun did not.

A number of Grahamstown athletes took part, with Rhodes University student Andrew Lowndes ninth in the 18-24 age category, in a time of 5:18:48. Lowndes also had the fastest swim by a local, with his time of 28:28, as well as the fastest locals' run time of 1:39:19.

John van Onselen showed age doesn't count on the bike, recording the quickest time by a Grahamstown athlete with his 3:03:55 for the 90km cycle. “All I can say is that it was cold, wet and tough – but enjoyable,” said Van Onselen.

Sean Swanepoel said: “It was a great race – I can't wait for next year's race”. Swanepoel enjoyed the new run route, which consisted of two laps (last year's run route was over three). He said the cycle was tough with the wind and rain – “but otherwise a great day all in all”.

Deon Boshoff said: “Every year you think how you could have done better, or improved. There are always excuses why it was not a perfect race – mechanicals, punctures, the weather – but this Ironman thing is truly about the individual and how you overcome all those things.

"So, for some reason, the cold water, wind and rain had such a positive bearing on my race. I am absolutely amazed that I improved my time by 18 minutes on last year and 40 minutes on 2009. Like a fine red wine (probably Tassenberg), I seem to be improving with age. At this rate, by 60, I'll win the thing”.

Terri-Lynn Penney said she had an “awesome race”, despite the tough weather conditions, with the sea temperature a cool 13°C. Penney said she had hoped to break six hours with a faster run – "but it was tough out there”.

Mike Loewe said his training had consisted of hiking, mountain biking and trail running. “I thoroughly enjoyed the race until the 11km point in the run, when the wheels, takkies – the works – came off. A small price to pay for a lot of pleasure”.

Since its inception in 2006, the Ironman 70.3 series has become the fastest-growing triathlon series in the world. There are 48 events around the world, which qualify athletes for the Ironman World Championship 70.3 in Clearwater, in the Gulf of Mexico, every November.

The Spec-Savers Ironman 70.3 South Africa event is the only half Ironman on the African continent. The next event in the series is the Ironman 70.3 San Juan, which takes place on 19 March in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Spec-Savers Ironman 70.3 South Africa 2011 results

The overall race winner was Frederik van Lierde (Belgium) in 4:06:30.

James Cunnama of South Africa was second in 4:08:41.

In the women's race, Jodie Swallow (Great Britain) 4:39:19 was first with Tine Deckers (Belgium) 4:42:25.

First South African woman was Mari Rabie 4:45:45.

Grahamstown athletes who finished the Ironman 70.3: 129. Andrew Lowndes (28:28 swim, 3:05:19 cycle, 1:39:19 run). 157. Michael Cannon (33.07, 3:04:41, 1:39:31) 5:23:08 438. John van Onselen (39:08, 3:03:55, 1:59:29) 5:53:10 517. Bruce Little (39:08, 3:08:56, 1:59:15) 5:58:48 556. Terri-Lynn Penney (44:04, 3:26:33, 1:42:50) 6:02:58 637. Deon Boshoff (33:57, 3:17:22, 2:08:36) 6:08:51 785. Sean Swanepoel (34:39, 3:23:00, 2:13:09) 6:18:26 827. Julie Walker (40:16, 3:20:20, 2:08:07) 6:22:16 1029. Johan Conradie (44:47, 3:15:24, 2:12:33) 6:34:44 1172. Misty Weyer (48:15, 3:35:55, 2:06:35) 6:44:21 1569. Mike Loewe (43:42, 3:50:02, 2:30:47) 7:18:23 1615. Dylan Weyer (39:07, 3:44:19, 2:42:54) 7:23:13