TWO members of Dunmow Triathlon Club got their season off to a great start by completing the Ringwood triathlon in Hampshire.

The early season race is almost unique in the UK because the swimming distance is longer than most pool based triathlons. The event involved a the 600m swim, 45km bike and 10km run.

Emma Elms and Catherine Marlow finished in 2:53:47 and 3:37:24, respectively.

The race was Marlow’s first attempt at completing a longer distance event, which proved testing for all competitors due to the cold conditions and the undulating bike course around the scenic New Forest.

Also racing was Andy Sewell who competed in the Basildon aquathon – a 400m swim followed by a 5km run held at Basildon’s brand new Sporting Village organised by East Essex Tri Club. Andy finished 8th overall in 27 minutes and 6 seconds only 27 seconds off a podium placing –a great start to the season.

If you are interested in competing in Triathlon, the club offers training and support for all levels of athlete and is especially supportive of novices. Regular swimming sessions, running track and cycling sessions are organised via the club, which now has eight British Triathlon qualified coaches to supervise all sessions.

It is based from Dunmow Leisure Centre, for more information contact Phil Elms, Chairman at the Leisure Centre or via the website, dunmowtri.co.uk