The Lakesman Triathlon continues to grow in number and popularity
The past weekend was a busy one for long distance triathlon in the UK, and, for a change, it was not the big-brand of IRONMAN that was the focus.
Alongside the ‘extreme’ challenges of the Celtman! and Triathlon-X, The Lakesman Triathlon (www.thelakesman.com) in its third year has quickly grown a very positive reputation from all who have taken part in it, based on comments that I’ve received from those that have experienced it. To that, we say huge respect to the event organisers.
It’s hardly news that in the current environment and packed schedule of racing – both domestic and internationally – putting on a long distance triathlon is both a monumental logistical undertaking as well as a huge financial risk. Having worked behind the scenes at many triathlon events over the years, if you want an easy life, stay away from long distance racing! If you think they are tough to race, organising one will live you in pieces.
We are long removed from the times when simply putting a race on would guarantee entries, even for the global brands. For an independent, you really have to work hard.
This year – in what looks to have been an inspired move – The Lakesman added a Middle Distance race alongside the full. That attracted close to 500 entries – with the full distance race even increasing slightly in numbers too, based on the results lists. That is impressive, and surely tells you something about the reputation the race built in its first two editions.
The Lakesman, Keswick, Lake District – Sunday 17th June 2018
FULL DISTANCE – 3.8km / 180km / 42.2km
MEN
1st – Daniel Bluff (Tri Force Endurance) – 9:15:50
2nd – Richard Anderson (RedVenom) – 9:25:58
3rd – Graham Rands (UK Fire Service / Manchester Tri) – 9:28:08
Daniel Bluff leads the full distance race! Just a marathon to run! pic.twitter.com/CYiYpDZIFW
— Lakesman Triathlons (@TheLakesmanTri) June 17, 2018
WOMEN
1st – Lyndsey Curry – 11:20:35
2nd – Karen Bridge (Eden Valley Tri) – 11:33:57
3rd – Rachel Jeff (Tri Lakeland) – 11:34:19
Go Lyndsey Curry! First female athlete over the line of the 2018 full distance race! You are a Lakesman! pic.twitter.com/xqfNIBtDRW
— Lakesman Triathlons (@TheLakesmanTri) June 17, 2018
HALF DISTANCE – 1.9km / 90km / 21.1km
MEN
1st – Michael Lavender (Bayliss Multisport) – 4:24:54
2nd – Mark Benson (Tri Lakeland) – 4:34:35
3rd – Alex Foster (TRI-FIT Coaching) – 4:34:49
First ever winner of the Lakesman half distance tri! Well done Michael Lavender! pic.twitter.com/AMMLVLg3TI
— Lakesman Triathlons (@TheLakesmanTri) June 17, 2018
WOMEN
1st – Lucy Biddlestone (Bayliss Multisport) – 4:51:33
2nd – Natalie Batey (Tricademy / Tyne & Wear Tri) – 4:54:33
3rd – Louise Harris (North Devon Triathletes) – 5:03:16
Lucy Biddlestone is the 1st female athlete to win the Lakesman half distance tri! pic.twitter.com/TeP2X5oe3x
— Lakesman Triathlons (@TheLakesmanTri) June 17, 2018
Are we in a triathlon boom, or hurtling towards burnout? Laura Siddall on the growth of the sport
