First Brett Ashford Triathlon A Great Success
The first Brett Ashford Triathalon took place on Sunday 14th August 2011. The beautiful Conningbrook Lakes and The Julie Rose Stadium
The first Brett Ashford Triathlon took place on Sunday 14th August 2011. The beautiful Conningbrook Lakes and The Julie Rose Stadium in Ashford played host to over 200 competitors, some had travelled from as far afield as Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Hampshire. The event was organised by Liz King and Ali Steed of Tri-Spirit Events, with help from Darryl Spain of Brett Aggregates.
The Conningbrook Lakes and stadium were created in 1997 from part of the Brett Conningbrook Quarry site, this was sympathetically restored by the company to establish a superb fishing lake and build the internationally acclaimed Julie Rose Athletics Stadium.
Gregor Mutch of Brett Aggregates commented,‘This is a fantastic use of the restored Brett quarry site; it is great to see the land now used to the benefit of the wider community and helping also to promote Ashford as a prime athletics location’.
The Triathlon comprised three disciplines: Swimming, Bike Riding and Running.There was high anticipation and, a few nerves on the bank, before the first wave of competitors entered the water at 8am. Any nerves were quickly banished once they entered the cool waters!
During the open water swim, the local Ashford Pirates Canoe Club were on hand to provide assistance, everything went well and the triathletes started to emerge a short while later to the cheers of their friends, family and supporters.
Following the 750m open water swim, the competitors had a 20km cycle section through the country roads around Ashford and Wye, before turning into the stadium for the run. They headed out of the stadium to run the final 5km around the Conningbrook lakes and Brett site.
The results were incredibly close for both the overall Male and Female winners. The overall Male winner was Barney Reid, a local triathlete and Olympic reserve, in a time of 1.03. The overall Female winner was Kathryn Berry, Absolute Triathlon Race Team, in 1.09.57. The Team event was won by Ashford Tri Club.
The trophies were presented by Gregor Mutch, Managing Director of Brett Aggregates. Spot prizes were also awarded to competitors who came closest to a pre-determined time.
Liz King, Event Director, said: "We were absolutely delighted with the way the event went, and it was wonderful to see so many people supporting the triathletes in the stadium. We have had some amazing feedback from the competitors, and we are keen to bring the event back to Conningbrook and The Julie Rose Stadium next year."
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2012 Brett Ashford Triathlon
This event is due to take place again in 2012 on 19th August at the Julie Rose Stadium and Conningbrook Lakes in Ashford.
For full details please visit www.trispiritevents.com