Two Macclesfield residents were the winners of the 2008 Macclesfield Triathlon! Martin Armstrong, of Tytherington, was the first man home in an impressive 1hr 13m 58s. Incredibly, this was only Armstrong's second ever triathlon, so to beat other more experienced triathletes, including ironmen selected for the World Championships, has sent a shudder of curiosity through the local triathlon circuit! Local Macclesfield town lady, Natalie Abbott, was the first female in 1h 30m 13s.
The quickest time of for the event was 1hr 13m 2s, from relay team 'Tucks has a Bad Knee', composed of experienced triathlete Gareth Tucker in the swim, Macclesfield Wheeler, Anthony Allan, on the bike, and Dean Matkin (2008 Wilmslow Half Marathon age group winner) finishing with the run.
Over 200 competitors entered this triathlon, and 50% of the field were novices to the sport. The Macclesfield Triathlon was composed of a 400metre swim, 15.3mile bike ride and 4.5mile run, starting from the Macclesfield Leisure Centre and going out onto undulating local roads, in picturesque countryside with views across to the Peak District and Jodrell Bank Observatory. There was a slight moment of panic in the event when the BTF Motorbike Refs reported a herd of cows crossing over the bike route! Obviously a competitive lot, they sped into the milking parlour before they could interrupt too many cyclists, thank goodness.
The event was supported by Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative, Sweatshop, TriCentral, Triathlete's World Magazine, 'For Goodness Shakes' and RedBull; and marshalled by Macclesfield Air Cadets.
