Teesdale Triathlon Club members were busy at the beginning of the month taking part in the Ellerton Triathlon, at Scorton-upon-Swale, hosted by Redcar Triathlon Club, on June 8.
Club secretary Sam Hill said: “It was brilliantly organised and run fantastically, offering both spring and standard distances with the added aquabike option too.
“It’s always a friendly and welcoming event to first timers and experienced triathletes alike.”
First to start the day off were Cat Bainbridge and Carol Woodman in the 9am wave. Carol took part in the sprint aquabike, getting around in 1.15.16hrs.
Sam added: “Carol is one of the club’s non-runners, she loves a swim event or an aquabike.”
Taking part in her first ever triathlon Cat, who has been working with the club for the past six months, has seen an improvement in her swimming.
“Cat took on the sprint distance, swimming 750m in open water, cycling 11 miles and running five kilometres,” Sam said. “Cat flew round in a time of 1.39.16, which is a great time for a first timer.”
The standard distance: swim 1,500m, bike 40km and run 10km saw Matthew Whittaker first out onto the course for the club.
Known for his impressive swimming ability, Matt was using the event as a training day in preparation for his upcoming Ironman Wales in September. He finished inside the top 20 finishers and came third in his age group.
Sam added: “I was out next and had issues with my goggles steaming up in the swim, but came out in a good place, coming home as fourth female overall and second in my age group.”
Peter Thwaites, 14 miles into the bike leg, flew past Sam, but having suffered recent calf issues opted to drop down to the aquabike to be safe. He raced around the course in 1.43.32.
Christian Esperjo Sanchez was next to cross the line, making a step up from sprint to standard distance. For his first standard distance event he did well, crossing the line in 2.48.52.
Teesdale Triathlon Club’s final finisher of the day was Chris Thwaites, crossing the line in 3.00.51.
Sam added: “After recent injuries and illness it was good to see Chris back swimming, biking and running again. Well done to all our athletes, it was great to see the club colours flying around the course.”
Husband and wife duo Richard and Claire Hughes, meanwhile, completed the Swaledale Marathon on Saturday, June 8, in 5.48hrs.
