THE May Bank Holiday saw the return of the immensely popular Tonbridge Triathlon, now in its twenty seventh year, which raised more than £10,000 for charity.
The event, organised by Tonbridge Lions, involved swimming in Tonbridge School’s indoor pool and a run over the school grounds – in scorching heat.
In between a challenging bike circuit climbed up past Shipbourne, before an exhilarating decent down Carters Hill into Underriver.
More than 400 athletes took part from all over the South-East. They competed over two distances, Standard (800m swim, 50km cycle, and 10km run) and Sprint (400m swim, 25km cycle and 5km run).
The winners were: Standard male Tom Webb, who completed the course in 2hr 20min 22sec; Standard female Catherine Linney of Sevenoaks Tri Club (2:41.26); Sprint male Christopher Hovenden from Les Stables club (1:13.34); Sprint female Susan Fairfax of Crystal Palace (1:19.35).
Tunbridge Wells; Mike Thompson impressed with a 7min 400m swim, 47min bike leg before finishing with a blistering 20min 5km run to claim sixth place overall in 1:19 and second V40.
Oliver Gell (V40) and John Kendall (V50) also secured top 10 finishes in their age group, crossing the line in 1:26, less than 20 seconds separating the athletes.
Helen Waite enjoyed podium success, claiming 2nd F40 in a time of 1:43, and Amy Pay was in the top 10 with 1:49, a 15-minute personal best.
All competing athletes were presented with medals at the finish by Tonbridge Lions President Gordon Hill with his wife Peggy and the Mayor of Tonbridge & Malling Roger Dalton.
Bob Bartlett, Chairman of the Tri-committee said ‘Tonbridge Lions Club would like to thank all the competitors, their friends and family who supported them and gave the event such a friendly atmosphere.
‘Also a big thank you to all the volunteers including Friends of Lions, the ATC and Police Cadets who helped us run the event and raise over £10,000 for local charities and good causes.
‘In addition, we like to thank Tonbridge School and Warners Solicitors for their continued support as without them we would not be able to run the event. Also we would like to thank Sainsbury’s for their support.’
PICTURE: STANDARD-BEARERS(L-R) Lions President Gordon Hill, Standard champion Tom Webb and runner-up Ryan Burn, Mayor Roger Dalton, Standard winner Catherine Linney and second-placed Evie Serventi
