Tonbridge Triathlon

The finishing line at Tonbridge School Track

Tonbridge Triathlon was held on Bank Holiday Monday May 6 at Tonbridge School Sports Centre. A superb day was had by all, even the athletes with their aching muscles and tired limbs. The weather was dry, sunny and hot, so unusual for a Bank Holiday! The supporters made the most of the day basking in the sunshine, watching the competitors and enjoying the wonderful atmosphere created by the keen entrants and the friendly marshals.

386 competitors, of which about 120 were novices, tackled two distances: Standard Distance, 800 metre swim, 50 km cycle followed by a 10 km run and Sprint Distance, 400 metre swim, 25 km cycle and a 5 km run.

Malcolm Davies from London completed fastest Standard Distance in a time of 2 hrs 17 mins 24 secs, and the fastest female completing the challenging course in a very creditable 2 hrs 26 mins 40 secs.  Rob Barnes of Sevenoaks completed the fastest Sprint Distance in 1 hr 12 mins 56 secs. The fastest female was Susan Fairfax from London in a time of 1hr 21 mins.

For the first time this year there were 10 local teams taking part, including two teams from The Duke of York Military School at Dover. The fastest team time was by the Peppa Dog team with a time of 1 hour 29 mins 54 secs.  Jayne Nutley, from Tonbridge, was taking part in her first Standard Distance event and posted the second fastest time for a female with 2 hours 54 mins. Jane is the niece of a Tonbridge Lions Club member.

The organisers, Tonbridge Lions Club, have raised approximately £13,000 that will be split between the Kent Sussex Surrey Air Ambulance, Headway and other local charities. In addition some competitors also raised funds for other charities.