On Sunday 27th April Stockton hosted it’s second Duathlon Festival. On a damp and cold Sunday morning 800 multi-sport athletes took to the roads of Stockton for the run bike run event. It was a closed road circuit three race event with novice, sprint and standard races.
Aycliffe Tri Club had 8 club members taking part. It was first time at a multi-sport event for 3 of the club members with Tracey Warrior and Darren Harrop taking part in the sprint race and Rob Cherrie in the standard race.
The sprint race was made up of a 5k run 20k cycle and a 2.5k run. It was a fast course which made for some excellent times with Andrew Sedgwick first home for the club in 1hour 10min, Michelle Scott first lady for the club and 4th in her category in 1hour 15mins, Darren Harrop 1hour 23min, Tracey Warrior 1hour 31min.
Also in the sprint Martin Sedgwick made a strong performance but at time of going to print Martin’s race time was still to be confirmed. After the sprint race Tracey Warrior said she loved the event especially the bike and couldn’t wait for her next race.
Following the sprint the next event was the standard race a 10k run 40k cycle followed by a 5k run. Weather conditions had not improved but this didn’t dampen the spirits of the clubs next three athletes.
First home was Graham Atkins in a fantastic time of 2hours 16mins next in Rob Cherrie in his first Duathlon in 2hours 25mins. Wendy Bake the clubs only lady in the standard race finished in 2hours 47mins. All 3 agreed it was a tough race but a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
