Age-Group athletes from across the country descended on Liverpool to fight for national titles at the British Triathlon Championships. With the added incentive of the final qualification slots for the PruHealth World Triathlon Grand Final London, the competition was as fierce as the summer heat around Liverpool’s docks.
Reading’s Katie Henderson finished as the second fastest overall woman behind the highly impressive Parys Edwards and won the 30-34 Age-Group in a time 2:07:35.
She said: “The swim went well and so did the cycle and then it was just a case of holding on for the run.”
Katie is already looking forward to racing in London but having qualified in the aquathlon, sprint and standard distance is undecided which events to contest in September.
Parys, who is a physiotherapist and represents Full-On-Tri, was delighted to be the quickest of the women’s field clocking 2:04:58 and winning the 35-39 Age-Group.
The overall fastest male on the day was Chris Standidge from the Torq Racing Team with a very fast time of 1:55:21.
Arnott Kid, 78, of Edinburgh was triumphant in the 75-79 Age-Group, completing the course in 3:06:55. He picked out the city of Liverpool and event organisers for particular praise: “Liverpool has done an excellent job. I have raced on many courses around the world and I think this course has huge potential to be considered for European recognition. A massive well done to all the people of Liverpool for supporting and putting on a brilliant championships.”
Jo Gorrod, 42 of Jersey Tri Club was also pleased with her performance and the city-centre setting of her 40-44 Age-Group win: “I was surprised with the victory as was I was in seventh place coming off the bike. It was brilliant being around the dockside with all the local support and it was nice to see all the elites and paratriathletes on the same day. Plus, of course it is now great to be crowned a British Champion!” Jo completed the course in 2:13:47.
The Liverpool Age-Group race showcased the full range and depth of the sport as two of the younger competitors demonstrated with London World Championship qualification performances. Edward Evans who won the Under 18 category in a time of 2:03:50 commented: “It was a quick course and a really good event. I am now looking forward to taking part in London, which will be very exciting.”
Another young athlete enjoying the winning feeling in Liverpool was Charlotte Taylor, who took the Under 19 crown in a time of 2:09:37. Charlotte, of Spalding Tri club said: “I enjoyed the course a lot and was particularly pleased with the win as this is my first ever Standard Distance race. The support around the docks was fantastic.”
Local club, Mersey Tri Club, had 85 representatives in their ‘local race’. Jonathan Fairhurst, 41 from West Kirby on the Wirral commented: “The atmosphere was brilliant. Most of my family came down. Racing in club colours on the home course meant you were getting shouted with encouragement, it gives you a massive lift racing in Liverpool.”
