Melanie Rowland, on May 22nd in Southport entered the standard distance triathlon and finished 3rd female and qualified for the world championships in Mexico.Not stopping for breath, on the 28th she entered the GR8 Events Aqua Cycle at Ellerton Lake near Scorton, finishing 1st female, 2nd overall in a time of 1:26:00. She then raced in Leeds in the Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon two weeks later finishing 26th in a time of 2:59:00. Well done Mel.
On the 18th June Jez Ladbury entered the Cleveland Short Course Triathlon, which in his own words, ‘not very short!’ It consisted of a 1500m lake swim, 25 mile bike, ending with a 5 mile run. He finished 17th in his age group which is a great result, 92nd overall, in a time of 2:44:00.
Tri-ology Multi Sport Solutions held their first of three Super Sprint Series Triathlons on the 22nd of June and seven club members entered, supported by volunteer marshals from the club. Nicola Darragh finished 5th in her age group in a time of 0:49:44. Penny Johnson was next for the ladies, 7th in her age group, in a time of 0:52:01. Anne Kellet, still getting used to open water swimming, finished 26th in her age group, in a time of 1:23:11.
For the men, Dan Halladay was leading the way until he got a puncture and had to retire. That left Austin Donoghue to finish 4th in his age group, in a time of 0:55:01. Alan Kellet was next home finishing 3rd in his age group, in a time of 0:52:29, closely followed by James Wilson 4th in his age group, in a time of 0:55:55.
Into July and on the 3rd, in the beautiful Lake District, two of our members accepted the Brecca Swim/Run challenge. This race is 6km of swimming with 38km of running, in a swim/run/swim/run/swim/run format.
Dan Halladay and Michelle Scott, having trained hard in preparation, did themselves and the club proud finishing 53rd overall, 12th mixed team, in a time of 08:20:33. Dan was so pleased to have done the challenge with Michelle. ‘There were hills to run – everywhere, rain, wind, waves, beautiful views. One hell of
Michelle said she “Really could not have got round without Dan, my absolute rock for the day – an epic journey of highs and lows, cramp in every muscle, hail stones so harsh they made your face burn. So proud of us”
Dan and Michelle would like to thank their support crew Andrew Sedgwick, Stuart Rimmer and Tracey Warrior, for not only popping up everywhere possible but cooking the BBQ after looking after them.
If any reader would like information regarding our club, or the sport of Triathlon, please contact us. Our website address is http://aycliffetriclub.wix.com/aycliffe-tri, and our e-mail address is aycliffetriclub@gmail.com
