A crisp November morning greeted the 500 duathletes who arrived on Box Hill last Saturday morning to tackle the infamous Winter Ballbuster.
Last year’s victor Andy Greenleaf of the Serpentine Running Club took home the winner’s prize again, after finishing fastest on the first leg of the run (42:58mins) followed by a swift 1:07hrs on the bike.
Andy finished in a time of 2:35hrs overall, 5mins ahead of second-placed Hugh McKenzie. Alan Murchison came in third in an impressive 2:45hrs.
Andy said: “I’m delighted with the win. The first run started well and I felt good on the bike. The second run was always going to be tough especially when it’s a little bit chilly but I got into the rhythm and kept pushing.”
Over in the ladies’ race, Clare Miller once again proved too strong for the rest of the field, crossing the line first in 3:05hrs, with an impressive 4min lead over her nearest rival.
Lucie Custance took second place in a time of 3:09hrs, with a delighted Helen Dyke taking third spot in a time of 3:16hrs.
Clare said: “It was really hard work. I had no idea throughout the race how far behind the next girl was so I just had to push it hard all the time.
"I had a really good bike course and I was pleased with my second run which was faster than last year. I’m very pleased and will be back for the Spring Ballbuster when it might be a bit warmer.”
Three RG Active teams took the honours in the relay race, with only 1sec separating the first two competitive teams, and the third team following just 6mins later.
The Ballbuster duathlon course involves a 12km run up and down the hills of the North Downs, followed by a tough 38km bike ride along Box Hill, and then another 12km run.