Mooloolaba Ironman Ali Day Wins Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Ironman Series

Ironman Ali Day from Mooloolaba Surf Club held on to win his first Nutri-Grain Series by a single point on top of eight-time winner, and also idol, Shannon Eckstein in what might prove to become one of the most fascinating finals series in the competition’s history on Sunday at Newcastle Beach.

Mooloolaba Ironman Ali Day held out to win his maiden Nutri-Grain Series by a solitary point over eight-time winner, and also idol, Shannon Eckstein in what could prove to become one of the most fascinating finals series in the competition’s history on Sunday at Newcastle Beach.

Carrying a narrow 4 point lead more than Eckstein heading into the 6th and final round on Sunday, Day scaped through for fifth place to make it into the Top 5 Final and try to keep his hopes alive.

Understanding he only had to finish in the top two places to ensure the title, Day shadowed Eckstein throughout the race and staving off a challenge coming from Mooloolaba teammate Matt Poole when Poole missed a very important runner ending the second board leg.

Finally, at the conclusion of the race, Day enjoyed an emotional celebration with his Mooloolaba Surf Club coach Michael King after the race.

"I can’t believe it," Day said.

"I was standing here this this time last year ... sorry mate, I’m holding back the tears.

"Geez, it was a tough year coming back. I’ve got to pay credit to someone like Shannon, his brother Caine Eckstein, Zane Holmes, Ky Hurst and Wes Berg. They made me want to do this sport when I was a young kid.

"Five years ago I got to start this dream and just be grateful enough to be on the beach and be able to race, to have my swimmers with my name on the back of them, but to win a series, geez.".

"I really can’t believe it at the moment.".

The best eight overall automatic requalify for next summer’s 2015/2016 Nutri-Grain Ironman Series and Terrigal’s Jack Moyes gained the last position on a countback after finishing in a three-way dead heat to get eighth along with Tanyn Lyndon and Luke Cuff.

Mooloolaba’s Matt Poole ended third, Hurst fourth, Kendrick Louis fifth and Wes Berg sixth in the Kellogg’s Ironman Series.

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