The athlete from Berry completed the Ironman Port Macquarie 70.3 course in a time of four hours, 12 minutes and 25 seconds from a 1.9km swim in the Hastings River, 90km bike ride to Camden Haven and 21.1km run.

The time would mark him as first out of 32 people in the men's 18 to 24 year old age group, first of the 795 people in the men's group and first of 1208 overall.

"I didn't really come here with any expectations but I'm just happy to put together a pretty decent race," he said.

"I cramped pretty hard in the last five kilometres but that's just racing. There's a few things to improve on which is good.

"Hopefully I'll be able to go to world championships after this."

The strong finish opens one of 40 qualifying slots to the 2019 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Nice, France for Cunningham.

"The objective was just to have a good race, go through the processes, maintain composure throughout and the world qualification spot is just a bonus at the end.

"It was good, wonderful course, pretty hilly but it takes you past some really nice spots along the coast."

Cunningham also indicated after the race there could be a return to Port Macquarie next year.

"The crowd here is really nice, they support you along the way and it's a nice event," he said.

"I know the bike (section) is pretty tough so I just tried to put the hammer down as much as I could, but obviously paid for it on the run and started cramping.

"Lovely people (here), great event, good atmosphere and I'll be back next year."

Port Pacer Running Club member Cliff Hoeft said numerous locals were also competing in events over the Ironman Port Macquarie weekend.

"There are hundreds of Port Macquarie locals in this event, solo and team event," he said.

"There's no real barrier to becoming an Ironman other than doing the training.

"Anyone who puts in the effort can make it across the line.

'We're so lucky to have this event in Port."

Ironman 70.3 finisher and Port Macquarie triathlete Lisa Anderson said it was her third such event.

"It was a little bit windy in places but it's always great to run infront of your home crowd and all your friends and family," she said at the finish line

"This is third one, I was hoping to get under six and a half, and did just that so I'm happy with that.

"I know a lot of the local tri-club people and it's good to see everyone encouraging eachother."

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