Jonathan Metcalfe produced another win at the Macclesfield Triathlon on Sunday, finishing the sprint distance triathlon in an impressive 1hr 15mins 11secs. This win follows Metcalfe’s earlier win at the Leeds Xpress Triathlon last month. The triathlons are part of a series of sprint distance triathlons, and this latest result puts Metcalfe at the top of the league table. With just one event left to go – Buxton Triathlon at the end of September – the mighty Metcalfe has really thrown down the gauntlet.

At the Macclesfield Triathlon Metcalfe, of Knutsford Triathlon Club, was ninth quickest in the swim stage. The 33 year old then really put his foot down on the bike section to produce the race’s third best cycle time. A speedy run finally sealed him as the overall winner; beating second placed Robert Wilson, of FVS Tri, by 45secs. Ian Lawton came third.

Local lady Seonaid Murray, won the female race. The 26 year old Macclesfield Harriers and Athletics Club member, stormed across the finish line in a time of 1hr 25mins 15secs. Murray was over five minutes ahead of second placed Sarah Kenney and third placed Natalie Abbott, also of Macclesfield. Murray’s time also produced a new course record, smashing the previous one by 1min 12secs.

Some strong performances from members of the Knutsford Triathlon Club saw members Jonathan Metcalfe, James Cox and Charlie Williams taking the coveted Team prize at the race.

The triathlon took place in a mix of hot sunshine and refreshing rain showers to cool the two hundred and twenty six competitors who took part in this annual event. The race started with a 400m swim in Macclesfield Leisure Centre’s heated indoor pool, followed by a bike stage out into rolling Cheshire roads accompanied by stunning scenery across the Peak District. Competitors finished the event with a 7.34km run along roads around Broken Cross.

The competitors were cheered around the course by some of the most enthusiastic and supportive marshals the race organisers have ever heard, who came from the Macclesfield Air Cadets, Jabberwocks, and Poynton Lacrosse Club. Prizes were provided by Royles, the leading bike and triathlon store. The overall event was supported by the Macclesfield Leisure Centre and the Cheshire Constabulary. Goody bag items included Clif Bar, Original Source and Accelerade products.

The event was organised by Xtra Mile Events. More information and full results are available at www.xtramileevents.com

RESULTS

Macclesfield Triathlon 2011

28/08/11, Macclesfield Leisure Centre, Cheshire

Sprint Distance: 400m / 24.9km cycle / 7.34km run

MEN

1. Jonathan Metcalfe (Knutsford Triathlon Club) 1:15:11
2. Robert Wilson (FVS Tri) 1:15:56
3. Ian Lawton (Unattached) 1:16:04

WOMEN

1. Seonaid Murray (Macclesfield Harriers & Athletics Club) 1:25:15
2. Sarah Kenny (Manchester Triathlon Club) 1:31:00
3. Wendy McBride (Unattached) 1:31:44

TEAM

1. Knutsford Triathlon Club
2. Manchester Triathlon Club
3. Macclesfield Harriers & Athletics Club