A record number of entrants took part in Sunday’s Wilmslow Triathlon, an event that once again has proved its popularity. 

Widely referred to as ‘the biggest and best sprint triathlon in Greater Manchester and beyond’ the annual event – which is now in its seventh year – is the perfect event for novices as well as experienced athletes, and the Cheshire weather conditions made for some great racing.

Based at the Wilmslow Leisure Centre, the 400m swim took place in the 25m indoor pool with the transition area as well as the start and finish on the cricket pitch.

The picturesque, mainly flat 24.2 km cycle ride took the competitors around the Cheshire countryside before finishing with a 6.3 km run around Wilmslow’s leafy roads.

With Roger Witz Barnes, who won the race the last three years, not present to defend his title Alex Lawton from Manchester Triathlon Club took this year’s title in a time of 1hr 7.19min.

Placed 16th position after the swim Lawton put in a strong cycle and run to claim the overall men’s title with a 29-second lead over runner-up Paul Hawkins with Rob Bridges from Manchester Triathlon Club third in 01:08.18.

Rebecca Brand from Manchester Triathlon Club won the women’s race in a time of 01:20, putting in strong performances in all three disciplines and excelling with a fast time on the cycle leg.

Sarah Rhodes came second in  1:23.20 and Deirdre McCarthy from Manchester Triathlon Club took third place in 01:26.07.

World Series Renault racing driver Oliver Webb (pictured above) was also among the competitors, making his triathlon debut at his home triathlon and finishing in a time of 01:35.23.

Former Ryleys School pupil Oli (pictured above) said:?“I have been keen on taking part in a triathlon for a while now to test my fitness levels and this seemed to be the perfect match.

“It’s close to my home and known as the biggest and best sprint triathlon in Greater Manchester and beyond.

“I really enjoyed the experience, the crowds were fantastic and it’s certainly very different to racing in a cockpit.”

More than 45 per cent of the competitors were novices and had never taken part in a triathlon before.

Simon Hill, race organiser commented: “I am pleased that the growing popularity and media exposure for triathlon is reflecting onto grass roots level, with a record number of athletes taking part in this year’s Wilmslow Triathlon, lots of which beginners and new to the sport.

“I would like to say a big thank you to everyone competing and supporting; and to all those involved in making the Wilmslow Triathlon a success, which includes the marshals from Poynton and Timperley Lacrosse Clubs, Dean Row Girl Guides, Sixth Wilmslow Scouts and Alderley Edge Explorer Scouts, Scarab Tri Club as well as the BTF Referees and Manchester Medical Services.”

The Triathlon organisers XtraMile Events thanks the sponsors: Up & Running, Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operativ, Starley Bikes, USN Ultimate Sports Nutrition, Zone3, Clif Bar, Aftershokz and Athlete Matters.