Close friends Lynn Patchett and Ricky Sousa made their mark at the Powerman Alabama Duathlon over the weekend, leading a charge by seven Island competitors.

Patchett placed first in the women?s amateur division, first in her age group and finished behind only two of the professionals, clocking two hours, 41 minutes and 20 seconds for the two eight kilometre runs and 55K bike ride.

Sousa finished third among the amateur men in 2:28:39, but won his age group and was behind only eight of the professionals.

Twins Riann and Evan Naude, who have made a big impression on the local athletics scene since arriving from South Africa a few years ago, both enjoyed good races.

Riann was eighth overall among the amateurs and third in his age group in 2:31:04, while Evan was just behind in 2:31:10 ? ninth overall amateur and fourth in his age group.

Norbert Meyer clocked 2:44:43 to place sixth in his age group and Kim McMullen came home in 2:50:58 to place third in her age division.

Some 337 competitors took part over the long course event.

Meanwhile, Ricky Sousa jr put up a fine performance in the junior event, clocking 1:35:43 to place first in his age group and 26th overall out of a field of 135.

Sousa sr. and Patchett had competed in the same event two years? ago with Patchett finishing second among the amateur women and Sousa fifth in the 40-45 age group.

This time Patchett won comfortably, beating her closest rival Kristin Villopoto by 42 seconds.

Among the amateur men Sousa was beaten only by winner Jeffrey Boyd (2:24:01) and second-placed Kyle Fredin (2:27:54).