Dubbo athletes Jane Fardell and Robert Duffy will test themselves to the limit this weekend when they take part in the iconic Kona Ironman World Championship.
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The iconic event is expected to attract more than 2000 competitors across a variety of age groups, with the dynamic Dubbo duo pitting their abilities against some of the best and most elite triathletes in the world.
Fardell will line up in the womens 35-29 category while Duffy will compete in the mens 55-59 division.
The event started in Waikiki in 1978 before moving to the barren lava fields of Kona in 1981.
Now regarded as one of the most intense and gruelling events in the world, Kona sees the athletes test themselves on a course that consists of a 3.86km swim, a 180km bike ride before they bring it home with a 42.2km run.
Along the Kona Coast, black lava rock dominates the panorama, and athletes battle the "ho’omumuku" crosswinds of 45mph, 95-degree temperatures and a scorching sun.
The 2015 edition of the event saw German Jan Frodeno take out the mens title, while Daniela Ryf from Switzerland was successful in claiming the womens edition of the race.
To keep up to date with the progress of Fardell and Duffy, visit the website http://ap.ironman.com/triathlon/coverage/