With 438 entries, a record number of people took part in the 2011 Leeds Triathlon held on 11 September. In addition, both of the previous course records for the male and female races were broken, and inaugural course records were set in a new ‘sprint distance’ race at the event.

The friendly event on the sunny Sunday morning in the city’s Roundhay Park, comprised standard and sprint distance triathlons. For the standard distance, competitors swam a mile around the Park’s Waterloo Lake, before cycling 44km through really pretty Yorkshire villages, and finally running 10km around the majestic Park, and crossing the finish line in the Park to rapturous applause from the hundreds of spectators. The sprint distance race was a 750metre swim, 24km cycle, and 6.7km run.

Richard Howarth of Leeds & Bradford Triathlon Club, made a sterling effort to win the men’s standard distance triathlon, in a time of 2hrs 4mins 34 secs. This was over four minutes ahead of second placed Rich Hunt of the Army Triathlon Association, and Howarth’s time also broke the course record by over two minutes. The 38-year old from Wetherby, had a fantastic start, coming out second quickest in the lake swim; then despite some blustery conditions, he continued with two more strong performances on both the cycle and run stages to eventually cross the finish line in the fastest overall time.

The female standard distance race was won by Jess Learmonth – another Wetherby resident. Learmonth was previously on the national swimming squad and was a football player for Leeds United Ladies, but this was only her second ever triathlon! Learmonth’s performance was outstanding, producing a new course record nearly 9 minutes faster than the previous one. She also beat second-placed Danica Spiteri, who is Malta’s top female triathlete.

Race Director Simon Hill was delighted with the turn-out of both competitors and spectators, “The focus of the event is on encouraging people of all ages and abilities to participate, have fun and just do their personal best.  So it was fantastic to see so many pleased smiles from competitors thrilled to complete this challenge, and hearing the massively supportive spectators, marshals and local residents was just magnificent! - you just can’t beat the enthusiasm we get at Leeds!”

The event was supported by marshals from the 3^rd Garforth Girl Guides, Sue Ryder, Legion of Frontiersmen, and Lisa Batkins Group. Prizes were provided by Royles, the leading bike and triathlon store. The overall event was supported by the Leeds City Council and the West Yorkshire Police. 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

Leeds Triathlon 2011 (Standard Distance)

01/09/11, Roundhay Park, Leeds

(1500m swim / 44km cycle / 10km run)

MEN

1. Richard Howarth (Leeds & Bradford Triathlon Club) 02:04:34
2. Rich Hunt (Army Triathlon Association) 02:09:52
3. Alistair Cooke (Leeds & Bradford Triathlon Club) 02:12:53

WOMEN

1. Jess Learmonth (Unattached) 02:26:26
2. Danica Spiteri (Malta) 02:26:50
3. Lizzie Spencer (Leeds & Bradford Triathlon Club) 02:27:33

Leeds Triathlon 2011 (Sprint Distance)

01/09/11, Roundhay Park, Leeds

(750m swim / 24km cycle / 6.7km run)

MEN

1. Scott Wardman (Unattached) 01:19:56
2. Derek Johnson (Wakefield Triathlon Club) 01:23:25
3. Peter Overton (Unattached) 01:27:25

WOMEN

1. Stephanie Lockwood (Wakefield Triathlon Club) 01:41:49
2. Jo Tipling (NYP Tri) 01:42:43
3. Liz Wood (Unattached) 01:44:20