Almost 800 people turned out to complete Skipton Triathlon in Aireville Park on Sunday, April 15.
The competitors were cheered on by crowds as they took part in in a 400m swim in the Craven Leisure pool, followed by a 22km bike ride out through East and West Marton and Thornton-in-Craven, and then a 5km run around Aireville Park.
Many were taking part in their first ever triathlon and thoroughly enjoyed the challenging but fun event.
Simon Wood said: “My first experience today. Absolutely loved it! Massive thanks to the organisers and the many volunteers who did a wonderful job!”
Becky Binks said: “Thank you to all who set the triathlon up! This was my first ever triathlon, and you made it such an enjoyable experience, not just for me and my team mate, but my family who attended!”
Joan Loach, aged 80, daughter Rebecca Swift, 56 and granddaughter Hannah Mason, 24, formed a relay team, raising money for Plan International in memory of Joan’s husband Stan who died last year. Joan took part in the swim, Rebecca did the cycle leg and Hannah completed the run.
Other notable competitors included visually impaired athletes competing for the Henshaws relay team, and Stuart Meikle, who is on the British Paratriathlon Talent Squad, and hoping to compete in the Tokyo Paralympics, who ran with a blade.
The event was organised by Craven District Council for the second time after a successful competition in 2017. Paul Shevlin, chief executive of Craven District Council, said: “We had another brilliant day with lots of smiling faces, strong competition and fantastic personal achievements. Skipton Triathlon is suitable for a huge range of athletes, from first-timers to elite racers, and we really proved that this year.
“A huge thanks to all our sponsors and supporters and all the volunteers for helping us put on the triathlon and making it a great experience for everybody involved. There was a little bit of rain in the afternoon as forecast but it didn’t stop people enjoying themselves and we look forward to welcoming athletes back to Skipton Triathlon again in the future.”
The overall winner of the event was Matthew Nelson, from the Challenge Tri Camp TFN Race Team, who finished in 57 minutes and 26 seconds, one of only two competitors to finish in under an hour.
The first female athlete home was Rachel Hawker, who finished in 1hr 9mins and 42 seconds. Full results are available at https://www.stuweb.co.uk/race/1Ld
The event was sponsored by RunRight Ltd, Uvenco UK, Tilney, and Omnis Services, and supported by Keelham Farm Shop, Bizzie Lizzie’s, Birchall Food Service, Grandma Wild’s, JACS, Cotswold Outdoor, Thistle Rose Campervan Conversions, Harrogate Spa, Yorkshire Dales Ice Cream, Riders Cycle Centre, Sportsshoes.com and Sportmax.
Picture; Three Generations. Hannah Mason, 24, Joan Loach, aged 80, and Rebecca Swift, aged 56, a relay team at Skipton Triathlon. (pic by Stephen Garnett).
