Event Review: Conwy Middle and Standard Distance + Triathlons

Tags:

    • Conwy Middle Distance

    The magnificent North Wales coastline played host to the Conwy Middle Distance+ and Standard Distance+ Triathlon last Saturday (16th July 2016), which is recognised as one of the best and most challenging sea triathlons in the UK.

    The organisers announced on the eve of the race that, due to an unexpected sewage discharge into the sea off Rhos-on-Sea, the swim had to be cancelled and that the event would go ahead as a duathlon. Natural Resources Wales and the Environment Health had instructed the organisers that swimming was not recommended until Sunday morning at the earliest, and with the event taking place on Saturday the swim section could not go ahead.

    Both the Standard and the Middle Distance races started with a 5km run instead of the scheduled 1900m and 1500m swims.

    The cycle and second run stages were held as planned, with the Middle Distance+ competitors completing the new single lap 85km cycle and 20 km run, and the standard distance+ race completing the usual 53 km cycle and 10 km run after the initial run leg.

    Formerly known as The Eirias, the Conwy Middle Distance+ and Standard Distance+ Triathlon is based at the stunning new Porth Eirias Watersports Complex in Colwyn Bay, perfectly located for competitors to make the most of the spectacular shoreline and surrounding countryside. Supporters and families congregated at Porth Eirias throughout the day to enjoy the first-class facilities and fantastic views of competitors as they completed each stage.

    Results (provisional):

    Louise Kelly Conwy Middle Distance + Standard Distance + Triathlon 2016

    Louise Kelly, Middle Distance + Winner

    Conwy Middle Distance+ Triathlon, 16th July 2016

    5km run, 85km cycle, 20km run

    MEN

    1) Sam Shepherd, 04:38:30

    2) Jonathan Brown, 04:44:16

    3) Andrew Birch, 04:48:12

    WOMEN

    1) Louise Kelly, 05:12:33

    2) Natalie Taylor, 05:26:33

    3) Katy Nelson, 05:33:48

    Conwy Middle Distance + Standard Distance + Triathlon Carl Dunn

    Carl Dunn, Standard Distance+ Winner


    Conwy Standard Distance+ Triathlon, 16th July 2016

    5km run, 53km cycle, 10km run

    MEN

    1) Carl Dunn, 02:55:32

    2) Kevin Woodward, 02:59:33

    3) Mick McCann, 03:02:55

    WOMEN

    1) Traci Shipley, 03:09:26

    2) Sarah Illidge, 03:11:43

    3) Fieke Reijntjes, 03:19:12

    The full results are available on http://www.xtramileevents.com/results/2016-results/.


    Race Director Simon Hill     commented: “We were delighted with the turnout for the 2016 Conwy Middle Distance+ and Standard Distance+ Triathlon which is a key event in the UK triathlon calendar in a spectacular location.

    “Unfortunately we had to cancel the swim section of the event due to circumstances beyond our control, and we apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused. We looked at every option to get around this but Environmental Health had advised that no swimming should be undertaken.

    “I would like to congratulate all the athletes who crossed the finish line. We would also like to thank all our sponsors, volunteers, spectators and of course competitors for their continued support and for providing us with a fantastic atmosphere.”

    Sponsors of the Conwy Middle Distance+ and Standard Distance+ Triathlon 2016 included Conwy County Council, Zone 3, Race Force, Clif Bar, TrueStart Coffee and ERDINGER Alkoholfrei.

    The next Xtra Mile Event on the calendar is the Leeds Triathlon on 11th September 2016.

    Xtra Mile Events Conwy Middle Distance + Standard Distance + TriathlonGo to www.xtramileevents.com for further details about Xtra Mile events and to register for all 2016 events. You can also like the Facebook page www.facebook.com/TriathlonUK and follow Xtra Mile Events on Twitter @GreatTriathlons and Instagram xtra_mile_events.