Coolangatta Gold favourite Caine Eckstein says the iconic surf lifesaving endurance race must remain on the summer sporting calendar.
Eckstein, a five-time Gold champion, heads an under-strength field for the November 2 race amid fears a lack of competition or sponsorship dollars is threatening to kill off the 30-year-old event.
Defending two-time champion Ali Day is one of several top athletes who won't take part in this year's race with Josh Minogue the only other participant in the 25-man elite men's field to have a top-three finish (2012 and 2013) to his name.
Eckstein says the lack of top names doesn't make a difference in his opinion to the status of the 41.5km event.
"It ticks every box for me, I'll always love this race," Eckstein told AAP.
"That's why I've gone well in it because I care about the race. My dad did it in the `80s so I know there's a lot of history in the race and that's why I've always chosen to train so hard for it from the start."
Last year's race had sponsorship from shaving product company Schick, but with that deal not being renewed, prizemoney has been slashed by just under $24,550 from the $94,550 pool offered in 2013.
The men's and women's winners will both receive $25,000 but second place takes in just $5000 and sixth to 10th secures $350 - approximately the cost of an entry fee.
Only 13 entries have been lodged for the elite women's race with former champions Courtney Hancock and Brodie Moir not taking part.
Defending champion Liz Pluimers is the only competitor in the field to have placed in a Gold before, but she says the apparent lack of depth in the field isn't a concern.
"The timing this year was probably a little bit off with worlds and the (Ironman) series being so close together, that maybe turned the top competitors off," Pluimers told AAP.
"Hopefully next year, they'll be back and it'll be a good race and continue on.
"You've still got to get through four-five hours of tough racing. It's going to be a tough race no matter what."
Share
