The Monster Racing Duathlon took place on Sunday, 11th March. The event has taken place Witchford Village College since 2012.
Monster Racing are known for their well thought out routes and cool events. The event was a sell-out at 125 entrants, the start list included newcomers to multisport through to GB age groupers. The athletes had signed up to a fast and flat course. They started off with the 5km run course taking in a disused WW2 airfield, before quickly transitioning onto their bike. They then cycled out into Fenland territory for 25km before a quick change back into their running shoes and heading off round the 5km run to finish. The perfect event for the start of the 2018 race season!
First across the line in the men’s race was James Haywood (Ipswich Triathlon Club) in a time of 1h 15mins and 53secs. Second male was Tony Heather (Team Skipper) 01:16:05, and third male was George Macfarlane (UEA Triathlon Club) 01:16:33.
The women’s race was won by Libby Free (Metropolitan Police Triathlon Club) in a time of 1h 29mins and 45secs. Second female was Samantha Godden (Born 2 Tri) 01:32:10, and third female was Gemma Irvine (Newmarket Cycling & Triathlon Club) 01:33:11. Full results are online in the Tri247 archive.
Age Group winners:
16 – 24 – Jake Brockwell (UEA Triathlon Club) 01:17:38 and Daisy Donaldson (UEA Triathlon Club) 01:34:34.
25 – 34 – Alfie Bentley (Beacon Tri) 01:17:55 and Sandra Pietsch 01:49:24.
35 – 44 – Gordon Irvine (Newmarket Cycling & Triathlon Club) 01:17:51 and Charlotte Sygmuta (Ely Runners) 01:43:29.
45 – 54 – Jason Blackwell 01:29:16 and Joanna Carr 01:44:17. 55+ Chris Shaw 01:32:45 and Rita Rue (Saint Edmund Pacers) 01:51:15.
The race was supported by event partners Zone3, Fenland Runner, Aspire Cycles and Hammer Nutrition. Event photos are available Shoot to Thrill.
A Monster Racing spokesman said: “Our Duathlon is timed for those wanting to test how successful their winter training has been. Athletes can see what has worked well and what needs tweaks for a successful race season. The event was one again a sell out and we saw some familiar faces return which is great! This small but friendly event has a great atmosphere and a must do first event of the season”
Monster Racing have a busy race season ahead, with events taking place across East Anglia. There is a new event added to the schedule for 2018, the Triathlon England National Aquathlon Championships Monster Aquathlon. Details and entries for all events are open at www.monsterracing.net.
The organisers would like to thank everyone who helped marshal, all competitors, all safety and ‘behind the scenes’ crew as well all our sponsors. Thank you also to Witchford Village College for providing such a great facility.
Image courtesy of Shoot to Thrill.