IT has been a busy start to the 2013 triathlon season for a number of Dunmow athletes.

One of the Dunmow Triathlon club veterans, Rob Newman, took part in one of the toughest races in the world on May 18 – Ironman Lanzarote. The swim takes place in the bay just outside Club la Santa where the race is based. Newman completed his 3.8km sea swim in 1hr 45mins.

Following a change into his cycling gear, he spent the next 8hrs 15mins battling the wind, sun, hills and heat of the 180km bike section. Once back to transition, Newman started the last phase of the race – a marathon run which he completed in a very creditable 5hrs 3mins, giving him an overall race time of 15hrs 48mins 15ecs, and 51st place finish in his age group.

Meanwhile, two club members took part in races which had been affected by the weather. Peter Fox Thornton competed in the Welwyn/ Hatfield Festival of Sport Olympic Distance Triathlon and finished the race in 2hrs 23mins 47secs, finishing 29th overall and 4th in his age group.

Shaun Woodley finished the Marshman Middle Distance race based in Lydd, Kent which had been postponed for a month due to the inclement weather conditions. Woodley completed this race in a personal best time of 5hrs 43mins for the 1.9km swim, 92km bike ride and 21km run, finishing 35th overall.

Entries are now open for Dunmow’s own triathlon – the 400m swim, 21km bike and 5km run will be taking place on September 8 based at the town’s leisure centre. Relay teams are especially welcome this year and entry is via the web at entrycentral.net