The first ever women’s only triathlon in Wales was held last Saturday 29 August 2015 at Burry Port in Carmarthenshire. The event was organised by Health Life Activities and supported by Tenovus Cancer Care (www.tenovuscancercare.org.uk).

 

The distances were a 400m open water swim, a 20k open road bike and a 5k out and back run along the coastal path. Due to the water conditions, the swim was changed into Berry Port Harbour. In many ways this alternate route enabled the spectators to have a better view of the athletes, as they swam around the course.

 

After the safety briefing, thirty three novice athletes entered the waters of Burry Port Harbour, ready to compete in their first triathlon. The new swim course was an L shaped out a back route, with a large red buoy acting as the turnaround point. After the athletes lined up alongside two RNLI water safety rescuers, Noelwyn Daniel the Race Director, gave the signal for the race to start.

 

With only thirty three athletes in the water the athletes were all able to find some water to swim in and the field quickly spread out, with the better swimmers quickly forming an arrow head towards the turn around buoy. By the time the first athletes were on the exit ramp, the slower swimmers were approaching the turn around buoy. Everyone made good progress and the water safety cover was not needed.

 

First out of the water, to a large cheer from the athletes waiting their turn for the Standard Distance Race, was Megan Burton closely, followed by Zorika Adams, then Ruth Davies, all within two seconds of each other. As the rest of the athletes exited the water there was a mixture of relief and determination as they ran / walked up the ramp and headed towards transition. With the biggest cheer reserved for the last person out of the water.

 

The first cyclists completed the bike section, just as the standard distance triathletes were exiting T1, so there was lots of activity for the spectators. After T2, the athletes ran past the finish line, which gave an opportunity for Chris Goulden on the microphone, an opportunity to name check each athlete and offer some words of encouragement. 

 

The run was 5k along the coastal path, with a finish under the arch by the RNLI Boat house. First across the line was Dawn French in a time of 1.12.35, followed by Megan Burton in 1.15.45 and in third place was Nicola Griffiths in a time of 1.15.57. The full race results are now on the race organiser’s website www.healthylifeactivities.co.uk. Upon completion each athlete was given a T Shirt and a big hug from the Tenovus Officers. Trophies were also awarded to the various age group winners.

 

Thanks to Healthy Life Activities and all the volunteers for ensuring a well organised and supportive event. We hope all the athletes enjoyed the race, especially if it was your first one. You can now tell everyone you are a triathlete and we look forward to seeing you at your next event!