Report and pictures by John Coxon

For the second year running, and swimming and riding, 19 year-old junior Samantha Wilson from Wigton, Cumbria has won the sprint distance Royles Deva Divas Women Only Triathlon at the picturesque lakeside venue of Manley Mere near Frodsham, Cheshire. Samantha clocked an impressive 1:03:40 to beat Chester Triathlon Club's Kelly Crickmore (as in last year's race) with Vicky Wade (Manchester Tri Club) third overall. Eunice Alexander was the first vet home in 1:10:34 with Maureen Douglas (Chester Tri Club) the first Super Vet home in 1:23:34. In addition, nine relay teams took part with 'Turrell's Tops' taking the honours in a time of 1:20:28. Only one athlete failed to finish the race, suffering a leg injury at the exit of the swim.

The swim, with a deep water start, was a 750m loop in the safe and relatively shallow and calm Manley Mere artificial lake. Affable Chester Tri Club Welfare Officer, Colin Wilson, was on hand, strategically placed at water exit offering motivational free hugs to those who felt the need for some encouraging comfort. Competitors then splished through the muddy lakeside transition area to bike for 16km through largely quiet, but deceptively undulating, country lanes. On their return a flat 5km run, consisting of two laps along the lakeside path led to the finish.

Chester Tri's Sally Napthen was largely responsible for the event organisation. She commented,"The Deva Diva triathlon is a demonstration of the club's commitment to encourage more women to train and take part in achievable short distance races with the emphasis on fun. To this end we arranged a beginner's seminar prior to the race, provided detailed training plans, and held specific pre-race training days at Manley Mere. We also arranged a wetsuit buy-back scheme, courtesy of our sponsors Royles. For many of the competitors this was their first triathlon and happily all but one finished successfully."

To emphasise the fun aspect of the event MC/race commentator Simon Blackburn awarded spot prizes at the finish for things like the muddiest legs. Simon also organised the spectators to give Wilmslow's Liz Hill a rapturous reception at the completion of her first triathlon when she gamely came home second from last home, overcome with elation and emotion on the finish line. Last home, and another first timer, Middlesbrough's Geraldine Handley was encouraged over the PA by Simon during her final solo lap of the lake and one of the local earlier finishers went out and ran with her for half a lap before Simon organised a spontaneous guard of honour to provide Geraldine with a wildly cheering triumphal arch to ensure the moment was truly memorable for her.

For full results see here or visit the Chester Triathlon Club's website: www.chestertri.org.uk John has also posted over 500 photographs illustrating the flavour of the event to the Deva Devas Album.