Hundreds of athletes took to the blue flag beach of Bournemouth on Sunday as the 26th Bournemouth International Triathlon took place which incorporated the Triathlon England South West Championships

The weather was absolutely perfect. The flat sea and calm winds made it fast conditions. The sunrise was stunning and the lucky few that were there early we treated to a meteor! 

The new transition area on West Cliff Gardens worked well giving spectators a birds eye view of the swim course and the run up the zig zags from the sea was a nice ‘treat’ for the athletes! 

The Standard distance was hotly contested as it was the South West champs. Local Triathlete James Gilfillan (fast GB athlete in Kona 2014) won the Standard distance. Will Newbury was second and Paul Edmonds came Third. The ladies standard distance was won by Danielle Shrosbree with Erin Jeffery coming second and Lucy Foreman Third. 

Lets not forget the athletes taking on the sprint distance, aquathlon, aquabike and long swims! There was something for everyone. Nicola Goddard and her father Peter Goddard both were age group winners in the sprint distance. Clearly Triathlon runs in their family. Nicola said “We loved the triathlon and will definitely be back! Thanks to all the organisers and the stewards, everyone was so encouraging and we absolutely loved it!”  We also had a number of bother/sister and sister combos making it a right family affair. 

The awesome medal, finishers t-shirt, free race photos, free post race massage and packed finish line food made an awesome race atmosphere and lots of happy triathletes.

We look forward to the next Bournemouth International Triathlon on Sunday 6th September 2020. Keep an eye on Challenging events website for entries to open.