The 16th Annual Warren Community Triathlon was a resounding success last weekend, drawing athletes from near and far.  

After a few days of welcome rain in the area, the sun made a timely appearance, providing near-perfect racing conditions for the 120 athletes eager to compete. 

Committee member Alison Ruskin Rowe expressed her excitement about the event.

"The turnout was amazing, and it really shows how much this event has grown. We had people travelling from as far as Sydney, Hillston, Mudgee, and even Cobar to compete." 

Among those participating was Amie Taylor from Nyngan, who competed in her first-ever triathlon.

To her surprise, Mrs Taylor finished third in the Short Course Individual Female category.   

"To receive a medal at the end was awesome but the best part was the support from the crowd and everyone competing." 

This encouragement getting her through some of the challenges, "the swim was harder than I expected, but I really enjoyed the bike leg, even with the headwind." 

Pictured: Amie Taylor (third from the left) with other Short Course Individual top finishers. Image: Supplied.

"As it was my first triathlon, I had no idea what I was getting myself into so it was all a learning experience." 

"It really was lots of fun once the nerves settled and you were finished."

Pictured are the Mini Boys: 1st Jaggar Smith (Narromine), 2nd Eddie Ferguson (Trangie), 3rd Sam Redden (Narromine) and Mini Girls: Tamika Hurst (Nyngan), 2nd Lizzie Murphy (Warren), 3rd Sailor Smith (Narromine).Image: Supplied.

The triathlon brought together a range of athletes, with many from Warren and surrounding areas making their mark. 

Here’s a look at the other top finishers across various categories: 

Short Course Team: 

1st The Des-Troy Team: Wes Hamilton (Warren), Maddie Marks (Warren), Wes Hamilton 

2nd Simmons & Co: Didi Simmons (Warren), John Simmons (Warren), Hagan Size (Warren) 

3rd Young Guns: Paddy Stanley (Narromine), Hugo Fuff (Narromine), Bede Redden (Narromine). 

Short Course Individual Female: 

1st Sonia Lane (Nyngan), 2nd Ethel Sherratt (Dubbo), 3rd Amie Taylor (Nyngan). 

Short Course Individual Male: 

1st Dean Sherratt (Dubbo), 2nd Eddie Heckendorf (Trangie), 3rd Scott Bell (Warren). 

Long Course men ready to start the swim leg of the triathlon. Image: Supplied.

Long Course Team: 

1st 3 generations: Harlem Ward (Warren), Rod Mildner (Warren), Adrian Caputo 

2nd Bogan Burners: Holly Robb (Nyngan), Graydon Curry (Nyngan), Vanessa Pearce (Nyngan) 

3rd Still Going: Trevor Wilson (Warren), Alex Druce (Warren), Milton Quigley (Warren). 

Long Course Female: 

1st Melissa Mertens (Dubbo), 2nd Julia Mannix (Dubbo), 3rd Sarah Ryder (Grenfell). 

Long Course Male: 

1st Simon Heppell (Dubbo), 2nd Christopher Carter (Mudgee), 3rd James Nott (Grenfell). 

Winners of the Long Course Events - Simon Heppell Long Course winners: Simon Heppell and Melissa Mertens from Dubbo. Image: Supplied.

Notably, Eddie Heckendorf secured second place in the Short Course event, competing against a field dominated by adults. 

The local team, 'The Comeback Kids,' consisting of older athletes returning to competitive sport, made a strong push to the finish line but narrowly missed out on a podium spot.  

The event was supported by local businesses, along with key assistance from the Warren Shire Council and Wendy Haywood of the Warren Swimming Pool. 

Mrs Ruskin Rowe emphasised that "the real heart of this event is the community." 

"The committee and volunteers are all locals who have helped for many years. Lots of locals come down and support which makes for a great atmosphere." 

"To see people of all different ages and abilities coming together to compete is special" said Mrs Ruskin Rowe. 

Looking ahead, the 17th annual event promises to be another exciting and action-packed milestone for both new and returning athletes.  

With competitor numbers increasing every year, the committee are "hoping it will be even bigger and better than ever." 

As for Mrs Taylor, she's already considering her next challenge, "I'll definitely be doing another one" she said. "It was well organised and I'm sure it will be even bigger next year!"