The 2013 Seen2Help Snowdonia Slateman triathlon will live long in the memory of local people - and visitors alike - as Llanberis today (May 19) came out in force to watch what is fast becoming one of Wales' premier triathlons.
Under bright skies and almost windless conditions the triathletes entered the waters of Llyn Padarn in four waves, with swimmers battling for clear water as the racing got underway at 9.30am.
Following a swim of 1,000m, they embarked on a gruelling bike ride of some 51km around the Llanberis Pass and Dyffryn Ogwen, before transitioning for a second time in Llanberis and heading off for an 11k trail run in the quarries of Dinorwig and the Parc Padarn undulations.
International triathletes graced the proceedings with an intense battle in the men's full Slateman seeing eventual winner Stephen Skates storming the run leg, triumphing by a little under two minutes from Manchester Tri Club athlete Robert Bridges. Paul Hawkins was third.
In the women's event Welsh triathlete, and 'new-mum' Rhian Roxburgh was a clear winner after dominating the event from the very first swim stroke, winning by a clear five minutes as she crossed the line. Jane Hansom was second and Welsh fell runner Anna Bartlett claimed a brilliant third place just three seconds further back.
The Snowdonia Slateman was launched in 2011 and has since been acclaimed as one of the most exciting events on the UK triathlon calendar, hosting 400 entrants in its first year, 700 in year two, and in 2013 selling-out over 1,000 places almost 5 months ahead of race day.
The Slateman ‘sprint’ event also took place with a 400m (swim), 20km (bike) and 6km (run). Earlier local triathlete and 2012 third-placer Huw Brassington had scored a narrow win in the men's sprint event - held over 400m, 20km and 6km - ahead of Alex Hall and Thomas Garbett. The ladies race was comfortably won by Sarah Rose, over five minutes clear of Natasha Geere and Judith Wall.
Always Aim High Events have also once again secured terrestrial TV coverage for the Slateman in 2013, with a 30-minute highlights package being produced by Dream Team Television that’ll be aired on Channel 4 in the future.
Full Seen2Help Snowdonia Slateman race results are now online at TDL Event Services with race images online via Sport Pictures Cymru and the Always Aim High Events Facebook page over the coming days.
The Seen2Help Snowdonia Slateman 2013 leading positions (full course)
Men
1. Stephen Skates 2:24:20
2. Robert Bridges 2:26:16
3. Paul Hawkins 2:26:39
Women
1. Rhian Roxburgh 2:46:08
2. Jane Hansom 2:51:26
3. Anna Bartlett 2:51:29
The Seen2Help Snowdonia Slateman 2013 leading positions (sprint course)
Men
1. Huw Brassington 1:15:47
2. Alex Hall 1:16:02
3. Thomas Garbett 1:18:23
Women
1. Sarah Rose 1:26:46
2. Natasha Geere 1:31:40
3. Judith Wall 1:33:49
