Macc-nificent Tri!
Over 100 competitors entered the first ever Macclesfield Triathlon on a bright and sunny Sunday morning on 3rd June. Attracting athletes to the Cheshire town from as far a field as Crystal Palace and Newcastle, this new event comprised a 400m swim, 24.6km bike and 3.8km run. The bike ride took in some beautiful scenic routes on the edge of the Peak District, whilst the run used local roads before an exciting spectacle of a finish with some closely fought sprints around a lap of the Macclesfield Athletics Track.
Setting inaugural course records, Andy Norman, of Manchester Triathlon Club, stormed to victory in a time of 1:06:30, and first lady was Catherine Cooke, of Crystal Palace Triathletes, in 1:17:02. Andy's victory was all the more amazing, as this is his first year in the sport. At this second event in the XME series, Manchester Triathlon Club once again took the Club prize.
The format of this event also attracted over 40 novices who were completely new to triathlon, and who went away thrilled at their achievements and at being able to call themselves triathletes!
The quality of the day was enhanced courtesy of sponsors, including Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative, For Goodness Shakes, Red Bull, and Herbal Life, who contributed to a Participant Pack for competitors. Sports therapists, Sport-Med, were on hand to provide pre- and post-race massages. Sports shop, 'The Sweatshop', were also present with a stall of triathlon-related products; and prizes included compression tops from Canterbury of New Zealand.
