A record number of participants (1,400 including those taking part in Tanita Sprintman Triathlon) turned up at the new home of the Gold Coast Half Ironman on 5 October 2008 to compete in one of the toughest events in Australia. This is the 12th year running of the event and Calypso Bay proved to be the perfect venue which enabled family and friends of participants to lend support to competitors regularly along the open-pan course and beautiful marina. This is also the validation event for Ironman Australia 2009 while others take part to fulfil their own personal goals. Find out more about the Cannibal Gold Coast Half Ironman Triathlon 2008, by reading Shortleg’s review of this tough and unforgiving course.