While the competitors themselves were run ragged over the 113 kilometre course, so were the medical staff.

In previous years Dr Bill Lancashire who co directed the medical tent with wife Dr Jennifer Law said it was the busiest half distance event he could remember.

Traditionally, he said a handful of competitors are tended to throughout the day.

This time around though, he said more than 60 athletes needed medical attention at some stage, a number on par with the full distance event. He said the bike leg in particular claimed most of the scalps.

The doctor said he knew there would be trouble and voiced a concern during the race briefing.

"Davis Crescent into Matthew Flinders drive is a 200 metre section of a two-lap course but it's downhill and fast," he said. "There were also a couple accidents along the Cathie straight. But, you know, that's what they're here for, to push the limits and go fast."

He said of the 60-plus athletes tended to, five were taken to hospital, two were treated for hypothermia, a couple were treated for chest pains and the worst injury was a fractured pelvis.

Luckily, he said none of the athletes treated were in a life-threatening situation.

Doctor Lancashire said although it was a busy day everything ran smoothly.

"All the volunteers in the medical tent did a fantastic job," he said. "We were very pleased with everyone's efforts. Dr Law, Vanessa Gray who looked after the nursing side of things and Carol Chandler all did a great job with planning and on the day." 

See Friday's Port News for more Ironman coverage