New Bognor triathlon set to go the distance

The competitors took to the roads and footpaths of the town and surrounding area after a swim in the pool at the Inspire Leisure Centre.

Organised by Gemma Le Roy and Jason Rae from Awesome Sports Events and Bognor Triathlon & Endurance Sports Club, the event featured a choice of three distances.

There was a super sprint (200m swim, 10k cycle, 2.5k run), a sprint (400m swim, 24k cycle, 5k run) or standard (800m swim, 37k cycle, 10k run).

Registration opened from 5.30am and the transition area was a hive of activity as the sun gradually burned off the early-morning mist.

Shortly after 6.45am the first swimmers took to the water. A mere 20 minutes later, the first swimmers were emerging from the pool to make the short run to transition to prepare for the bike ride.

The route took them through Bognor, along the new North Bersted by-pass and out towards Merston, then back to Bognor via Lagness.

Once back in transition, the triathletes were ready for the run around the fields and footpaths of Felpham. The course was a 2.5km circuit, and supporters got to see them pass a few times, depending on which distance they raced.

Exhausted racers were greeted at the finish line with a drink, cheers a well-deserved medal. There was much appreciation for the supporting crowds and marshals, who had been up for hours to ensure the event could take place.

“The uptake, support and number of race entries have blown us away,” commented Le Roy. “We expected a lot of interest with around 100 competitors, but we closed entries on the Friday at an outstanding number, nearly doubling our target.

“Individuals and teams were registered to take part from all over the south and beyond, and there was even one competitor from South Australia, Matt Carmen, who was staying with local ironman competitor David Rowe, who is currently training for the world championships in Kona.”

Rae added: “This event has taken so much time to prepare, but it is so rewarding when you see what it does for the community spirit. Having helped set up the local parkrun last year it’s really inspiring to see people who never really exercised before go from running to taking on new challenges like triathlon.

“It’s a fantastic sport – and not just for elite athletes on very expensive carbon bikes. Equally inspiring is people’s willingness to give up their time to come along and marshal at this type of event. They all involve early mornings and fortunately on this occasion the sun was shining.”

Clive Harvey, official referee and race official from BTF Triathlon England, said: “Anyone turning up unannounced would be forgiven for thinking this was an event that had been running for years, not that it was the inaugural event.

“Jason and Gemma’s enthusiasm clearly came across in their delivery of what is definitely a valuable fixture in the triathlon calendar. With their contacts there was a very high percentage of ‘newbies’ which was gratifying, reflecting well on the inclusive nature of the event. Congratulations to all on a great event.”

The event is set reappear next year in 2016, joining a number of other local sports events and GO TRI events being organised by Awesome Sports Events

Anyone interested in triathlon can contact Jason Rae at the Bognor Triathlon Club on [email protected]

Results: Standard Male - 1 Gavin Spears, 2 David Reid, 3 Paul Heath; Standard Female - 1 Rebecca Lintott Clarke, 2 Kirsty Shannon, 3 Samantha Hook; Sprint male - 1 Paul Blackmore, 2 Michael Rix, 3 Conrad Lawson; Sprint Female - 1 Trudi Cunningham, 2 Stephanie Robinson, 3 Tara Oxley; Super sprint - 1 Lisa Joyce, 2 Amy Lloyd 3 Steve O’Grady; Relay - 1 Laura Bagnell, Jude Bazely, Wendy Whelan.

TOM ACKERMAN

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