Photography - SportPicturesCymru
The Harlech Triathlon and Duathlon took place on Sunday 14th April. The event also incorporated Welsh Triathlon’s first National Championship of the year in the form of a Duathlon. Registration on Saturday was in very miserable weather conditions which didn’t look too promising for the Sunday. However, come race day the sun managed to shine on the 100 plus athletes that made the start line.
The course covered a 5km run, 21.5km bike and a final 2.2km run. Welsh Triathlon CEO, Catherine Roberts, got the race under way. The racing was fast and furious from the off with all the athletes making the most of the conditions. The run course was a mixture of sand and tarmac with a reasonable flat bike but the kick in the tail was the run up to Harlech Castle with gradients reaching close to 40%. With the finish line inside the castle this was a unique event and one to remember for all athletes.
Notable performances of the day were from Joesph Beech who had an incredible fast run of 16.54 and led from start to finish to claim the overall position and winning the Open 30-34 age-group going under the hour with 59:35. John Fitzpatrick came second overall, winning the Open 45-49 age group and James Peters came third to win the Open 35-39 age group.
In the women’s event the racing was equally hard fought with Lucy Marland having the best time overall of 1 hour 9 minutes in the Female 35-39 age group, second place in the same age group went to Beth Jones and third went to Katrina Entwistle taking top spot in the Female 30-34 age group.
Whilst not a part of the National Championship it was fantastic to see Sean Conway, a local star for taking part in 105 full distance events back-to-back, swimming the length of Britain and other exploits, taking part in the triathlon as a part of a team raising money for True Venture.
Overall, a day to remember for all the competitors and a great way to start this year’s Welsh Triathlon National Championships. If you are interested in taking part in future championship look no further than this page. We look forward to seeing you there!
To finish we would like to thank the event organiser Always Aim High for putting on a well organised and challenging event in a beautiful part of Wales, to the volunteers who were magnificent in giving up their time to ensure the event happened and to the spectators who added to the atmosphere.
The Welsh National Duathlon Championship results can be found here.
