The Wilmslow Triathlon, which took place on Sunday,12th May, has again proved very popular with a record number of 596 competitors taking part and a strong presence from triathlon clubs across the region.
This is the 7th year the sprint distance race has been held in the town and the weather conditions made for some great racing.
Based at the Wilmslow Leisure Centre, the 400m swim took place in the 25m indoor pool with the transition area as well as the start and finish on the cricket pitch. The picturesque, mainly flat 24.2 km cycle ride took the competitors around the Cheshire countryside before finishing with a 6.3 km run around Wilmslow's leafy lanes.
With Roger Witz Barnes, who won the race the last three years, not present to defend his title the Wilmslow Triathlon saw Alex Lawton from Manchester Triathlon Club take this year's title in a time of 01:07:19. Ranking in 16th position after the swim Lawton put in a strong cycle and run to claim the overall men's title with a 29 second lead.
Paul Hawkins, who was using the race to regain his fitness after injury, was the runner up in 01:07:48 with Rob Bridges from Manchester Triathlon Club coming third in a time of 01:08:18.
Rebecca Brand from Manchester Triathlon Club won the women's race in a time of 01:20:00, putting in strong performances in all three disciplines and excelling with a fast time on the cycle leg.
Sarah Rhodes came second in a time of 01:23:20 and Deirdre McCarthy from Manchester Triathlon Club took third place in 01:26:07.
World Series Renault 3.5 racing driver Oliver Webb was also amongst the competitors, making his triathlon debut at Wilmslow and finishing in a time of 01:35:23.
More than 45% of the competitors were novices and had never taken part in a triathlon before.
Simon Hill, race organiser commented: "I am pleased that the growing popularity and media exposure for triathlon is reflecting onto grass roots level, with a record number of athletes taking part in this year's Wilmslow Triathlon, lots of which beginners and new to the sport."
The full results are available on http://www.xtramileevents.com/results .
Photos: Alex Lawton, male overall winner. (credit eventphotos.co.uk)
