More than 3,000 people have taken part in the Wiggle London Duathlon, the world’s largest run, bike, run event. Duathletes, runners, cyclists, fund raisers and elite athletes tackled the duathlon in the stunning surroundings of Richmond Park.
The race began at 8:45am, and duathletes of all abilities took to the closed roads of the park to tackle one of the four run-bike-run challenges, either the ultra-distance (20km run/77km bike/10km run), standard distance (10km run, 44km bike, 5km run), half-distance or relay event.
Alan Murchison won the men’s standard distance duathlon, completing the course in a time of 2:01:27, whilst pro triathlete and duathlete Emma Pallant won the women's race in a time of 2:12:22. Murchison, a multiple European & World AG Duathlon Champion commented: “It was great to compete in the world’s biggest duathlon and even better to win it! The conditions were excellent and it was a pleasure to take part in such a well organised event”. Emma Pallant who raced in preparation for the Adelaide ITU Duathlon World Championships, said: “The atmosphere was incredible, the weather was perfect and all the competitors and spectators seemed to be having a great time”.
Emma Pallant, who won the women's standard distance race in a time of 2:12:22
The ultra event was won by Tom Marshall in 4:22:43 and Vikki Sivertsen in 5:04:27.
The course in Richmond Park, the host for all ten previous editions of the event, is the largest of the capital's eight Royal Parks and the biggest enclosed space in London, provided the perfect setting for the competitors.
The event was started in 2005 and has grown in popularity each year. Public places for this year’s event sold out four months before race day, and the final Ultra finisher crossed the finish line just after 5pm having run and cycled well over 100km.
Results:
- FIRST DUATHLON MALE: Alan Murchison in a time of 2:01:27
- FIRST DUATHLON FEMALE: Emma Pallant in a time of 2:12:22
- FIRST ULTRA MALE: Tom Marshall in a time of 4:22:43
- FIRST ULTRA FEMALE: Vikki Sivertsen in a time of 5:04:27
