TRIATHLON: Sleaford club out in force for Spa Sprint

Thirty-six members from the club competed amongst a total of 800 competitors of all ages and abilities, from complete novices to seasoned athletes, and there were some fantastic results.

Kerri Shore and Ellie Pocock were both second in their age categories and one of the club’s juniors, Sarah Durham, completed the 400m swim as part of the first ladies’ team home with mother Niki (bike) and family friend Emily Foran (run).

The course involved a 400m swim in the open air pool at Jubilee Park followed by a 24km bike route around the quiet country lanes to the north. Finally, a 5km run around Woodhall Spa to finish back in Jubilee Park to a noisy and supportive crowd of spectators.

The triathlon was the last of three in the Midlands Sprint Series and the club has seen some great results over the season. June Jackson, Kerri Shore and Debbie Carleton (pictured) took the top three slots in their age category for the season, with further podium finishes from Sandy Telfer, Seamus Sheard and George Hackney.

The weekend also saw an amazing performance from club chairman Ann Le Bek who completed the Celtman Extreme Triathlon.

The event involved a 3.8km sea swim in Arctic-like conditions, a 202km bike ride over the windswept Highlands, and finally a 42km run over two of Scotland’s stunning Munroes.

The event attracted competitors from 39 countries but it was certainly not for the faint hearted. Only the finishers receive a coveted blue T-shirt and Ann will now be wearing hers with pride.