This was her first attempt at completing the gruelling 83km event as a single entrant and when she crossed the finishing line in just under 6 hours, she was “thrilled to be finished”.

The Donnybrook Marathon Relay, which is an annual event, is seen as one of the toughest marathon relays in the State.

It comprises six legs - a 34km road cycle, a 7km paddle a 1.4km swim, a 20km mountain bike ride, an 8.5km walk and finally a 12.1km run.

Estelle found the cycle leg quite enjoyable but struggled a bit with the paddle as it was only the second time she had been in the canoe that she used for the event.

During the course of the event, she experienced highs and lows.

“After the lunch break, before heading into the swim I was feeling a bit nauseous but I but told myself to get over it. (I) thoroughly enjoyed the swim, it re-energized me and it was great to stretch out all the muscles,” she said.

Like many entrants, Estelle found themountain bike leg the hardest.

It’s well known as being a ‘bone-shaker’ and even for experienced mountain bike riders, the course was difficult.

This year riders found this leg of the race extra challenging because the signs had been tampered with causing general confusion.

In the end the mountain bike leg had to be scrapped from everyone's overall times as many competitors ended up going the wrong way and doing an extra loop.

The walk provided the opportunity to re-energize before the final run home and to take in some sustenance.

For Estelle, this consisted of salt and vinegar chips and jelly snakes – an unusual combination.

“I really enjoyed the run,” said Estelle. “I thought it would be difficult, being the last leg, but running after walking is much easier than running after the bike and it was great to get to my destination faster by running.”

This year there were only two women who competed in the event as solo entrants – Estelle and Sarah Wiesse, who crossed the line only 15 minutes behind the solo Iron Man winner, Peter Shanely.