TRIATHLON
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It is arguably the world's most gruelling event and it's calling the names of three Illawarra triathletes.
Carolyn Dews, Narelle Talbot and Ben Bell have all qualified for the internationally renowned Hawaii Ironman World Championships in October.
The Illawarra Triathlon Club trio earned their spots with powerful performances at the recent Australian Ironman Championships at Port Macquarie.
The event features a 3.8-kilometre swim, 180km cycle leg and 42km run, which replicates the same legs and distances of Hawaii's iconic race.
Bell finished third in the highly-competitive men's 35-39 years division, completing the course in nine hours and seven minutes.
He previously competed in the Hawaii Ironman in 2011 and 2012.
"All in all I was very happy," Bell said.
"I'm looking forward to racing in the legendary heat and wind of Hawaii. It suits my running, which is my strength."
Dews claimed second place in the 45-49 age group, shrugging off a shoulder injury that has plagued her for the past 12 months.
The 2014 Hawaii Ironman will be her fourth crack at what she calls the "Holy Grail" of triathlon.
"Qualifying for Hawaii was my major goal for the year, even though there were times when I wasn't sure that it would happen due to the shoulder injury," Dews said.
Talbot was one of the first female triathlon competitors, competing at Forster in 1985. This will be her first Hawaii Ironman.
She prevailed in the 50-54 year section at Port Macquarie.