Over 300 competitors registered for the inaugural Stowe Triathlon, set in the beautiful grounds of Stowe House, last Sunday. The event attracted first timers, families, elite and world champion age groupers from across the UK.
First out of the lake was Andy Bourne from Trisport Epping, but was beaten to transition after a punishing run up from the lake. First out on the bike was Ian Mackerness from Team Trisports, with David Glossy from Phil Corley Blue Tri only seconds behind. Mackerness maintained this lead on the bike but the grueling hills on the run route around Stowe Gardens saw Glossy take the lead to win with a time of 02:13:14, with Mackerness second with 02:15:13, and Dan Blackburn from Oxford tri third in 02:15:41
In the Ladies race Caroline Crawford from Cirencester was first out of the water but a blisteringly quick bike section from Jo parker (Team Milton Keynes) and Kim Shaw (Team Cherwell) resulted in Parker being the first lady out onto the run but the hills were too much for Parker as she was overtaken by Shaw who won in a time of 02:36:01, with Parker a close second in 02:36:46, and Crawford third in 02:40:52
Attractions at the race included trade stalls, sports therapy, and a 15 piece orchestra playing over transition on the North Lawn of Stowe House.
Comments from the event included “Just wanted to say today's event was brilliant! The setting is spectacular and the course was really interesting and the number of competitors spot on! Bring it on next year!”
More at www.onyourmarksevents.org.
