Tri'ing Times at Fountains
On Saturday 21 September Ripon Runners rubbed shoulders with Olympic and World Triathlon champions Alistair and Jonny Brownlee in the beautiful surroundings of Fountains Abbey. The Brownlee Mini Tri, a swim, bike and run event, was on a course well known to all members being just one mile from their clubhouse and a regular training route.
Starting with a 400 metre swim of the world heritage site lake, competitors then took to their bikes for a two lap 10k ride, finishing with a sprint 2.5k run.
The whole event was a great success with the sunny hot weather providing excellent dry conditions for competitors and spectators. In the men’s section, three members went sub 50 minute with Bruce Symonds (45:33), Billy Conlin (48:43) and Peter Brodie (49:17). Martin Cunningham (51:06) and John Bull (1:02:01) completed the male line up.
The ladies were led home by Becky Turner, who borrowed all her equipment to attempt her first triathlon, and was first female in her age category of 20-24 in 51:25. Jill Holt was 7th in her 45-49 category (54:38), with Lena Conlin 16th (56:52) and Jackie Turner 32nd (1:03:17). Another first time attempt at this type of challenge saw Hillary Gilliam complete the course in 1:02:13.