RACE REPORT: Lorton Sprint Triathlon

The Lorton Sprint Triathlon took place on Saturday 20th September 2008 over the following course:
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Swim (Crummock Water) - Short course: 300m; Long course: 900m
Bike (Lorton Valley and Loweswater) - Road course: 22km; Mountain bike course: 17km
Run (Lorton Valley) - 5km
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RESULTS

1st - Ryan Evans ----- 1:34:39
2nd - Paul Walwyn
3rd - John Raho ----- 1:39:00
4th - Andy Raho ----- 1:40:00
5th - Rosie Hart
6th - Jim Poole ------- 1:43:48
7th - Suzy Robertson
8th - Tom Hinks ------ 1:51:00
9th - Brett Welch ----- 1:51:28
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Congratulations to Ryan Evans for the win in his first race. A solid swim saw him out of the water in 2nd place which he held for the whole bike course until catching Paul Walwyn on the run.

Paul's 2nd place is also notable as this was his very first triathlon, and despite a lot of pre-race goading from his girlfriend, Rosie, some fast transitions and a strong mountain-bike ride placed him well-up the field.

The Raho Brothers took the 3rd and 4th places, led home by John (your 'Man with a Van'), who had a strong race finishing 2nd in the Buttermere Triathlon in May. This was Andy's first triathlon.

Rosie Hart's triathlon debut was also impressive. A super-tight wetsuit didn't stop her swimming well before putting in a fast bike split on her new wheels. This was backed up with a typically fast run. It'll be frightening to see what she can do in the Spring 2009 triathlon which will have an option on the run to do a fell run.

Jim's mechanical problems put paid to a fast bike split but a reasonable swim and run put him into 6th. Suzy Robertson did a great race and looked confortable running herself into 7th. Hinksy and Brett duelled throughout the race, constantly passing each other. They were very evenly matched on the flat and equally sick of the hills. Both Hinksy and Brett have big triathlon plans for 2009 of the Ironman and Half-Ironman distances respectively so it will be good to see how their winter training goes.

Thanks to everyone who came along and raced, I hope you enjoyed the course. Also special thanks to Cols, Whinfell Harriers's Directeur Sportif and to Harry for their kayak swim support and help with the race logistics.

Course map here.
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The next club race will be the Buttermere Triathlon, to be held on 9th May 2009. This will be a middle distance race with the swim in Buttermere, the bike taking in two high passes: Honistor Hause; and Newlands Hause, and for the run, a choice of a long flat valley run or shorter fell run course. Full details to be published in due course.