Another Successful Taunton Deane Foot Anstey Triathlon
The eleventh Taunton Deane Foot Anstey Triathlon took place on Sunday 18th May 2008 in Wellington in perfect weather conditions, and proved yet again to be one of the most popular sporting events in the South West calendar.
Organised by Tone Leisure and, local triathlon club, Somerset RC Tri this is the second year the event was sponsored by solicitors Foot Anstey.
The event attracted 400 competitors including top class athletes from outside the area. The undulating course over the winding country lanes stretched even the better athletes
A considerable number of competitors, particularly women, competed for the first time and the number of junior athletes increased showing the growing popularity in these categories.
The triathletes used the Wellington Sports Centre swimming pool for the swim element before taking to the quiet roads for the cycle ride (towards Milverton and Wiveliscombe) and then a mixture of footpaths/quiet lanes for the run.
Andrew Hannam, partner at Foot Anstey who presented the prizes and also competed said “I want to thank everyone concerned in the organising of the event including Tone Leisure, all the 70 helpers from the Tri Club and their families for being marshalls, time keepers and helpers. Their efficient but friendly organisation make it a really safe and enjoyable day for competitors at all levels of fitness and their families.
“It was great to see lots of families turning out to support competitors and cheer them on to the finish line.
“Presenting the prizes was a great pleasure especially as our own Marketing Manager, Penny Eyre won the novice female veteran class.”
Many locals said it was one the most family friendly and relaxed local events and enjoyed using the picnic area at the finish line. Local food suppliers also had a good day serving drinks, ice creams, paninis, fudge and popcorn.
One of the organisers, Paul Lester, Somerset RC Tri said “ Many thanks to Foot Anstey again this year – they have helped us make the triathlon bigger and better than in previous years. Also a huge thank you must go to all those who gave up their time to help and marshall, without them there would be no event, and without their encouragement and enthusiasm the race would not be as popular and successful as it is.”
The 400 Triathlon places are divided into 250 for the sprint and 150 for the novice.
The Sprint event was for the more experienced athletes and the Novice event was open to anyone new to this sporting event or who has completed less than three triathlons in the past. Both events had male and female categories in the age groups of Junior (16 -20), Senior (21-39), Veteran (40 -49), Super Veteran (50+) and Vintage Veteran (60+).
For more information and the full results, please visit the event website at www.tauntondeanetri.co.uk
Anyone wanting to register for pre-notification of the launch date of next year’s event should go to: www.foot-ansteys.co.uk/triathlonregister
Published 19/05/2008
