The Llandudno Sea Triathlon took place last Sunday 25 June 2017, and proved to be a day of ‘thrilling sporting action set amongst the spectacular coastal scenery of North Wales.’ The fair weather provided good racing conditions for this land- and sea-based triathlon that welcomed athletes from near and far, attracting many club and GB age group athletes to the main event as well as plenty of competitors to the women-only wave, the relay race, the swycle and the aquathlon.
The new middle distance race option was a highly anticipated addition to this year’s event and saw athletes take on the 1900m open water swim, 87km cycle and 20km run.
Also taking place were a non-drafting standard distance race, comprising a 1500m swim, 36km cycle and 10km run, and a draft legal sprint distance race comprising a 750m swim, 19km cycle and 5km run. The sprint distance race was an ITU Sprint Distance Triathlon World Championship qualifier for the 2017 ITU Sprint Distance Triathlon World Championships in Rotterdam in September.
Each race combined a sea swim with a cycle on closed roads around the Orme headland, boasting coastal views, before the run leg took competitors over the Little Orme to Penrhyn Bay and back to the promenade.
Hundreds of supporters gathered on the promenade throughout the day to catch the best views of the action, cheer on the athletes and add to the atmosphere of the day. Many had travelled with family and friends competing in the triathlon to enjoy a weekend in the Welsh seaside resort and enjoy the buzz about town.
The middle distance triathlon saw Beau Smith secure another title with a time of 04:19:03. He crossed the finish line with an impressive thirty-two minute lead ahead of second placed Daniel Bluff. Claire Fudge claimed the women’s title with a time of 05:45:40.
The standard distance race saw James Briscoe take the men’s title in 02:13:56 and Hannah Bruce take the women’s title in 02:40:03. Jack Bond won the men’s sprint distance in 01:02:42 while Sarah Jepson won the women’s sprint distance in 01:17:49, with just a minute and a half separating the top three women in the World Championship qualifier.
Race Director Sarah Bennett, of (Human Race/A.S.O. owned) Xtra Mile events, said “The Llandudno Sea Triathlon has once again proved itself to be a key event in the triathlon calendar, with a fantastic turnout for the 2017 event and incredible sporting achievement for all to enjoy. With the new middle distance race for this year, alongside the standard and sprint distances, the town was awash with athletes of all ages and abilities, each of whom were treated to a race in spectacular surroundings and outstanding crowd support. We would like to congratulate everyone who crossed the finish line and express a big thank you to all our volunteers and sponsors who helped to make the event the great success it was.”
Sponsors of the Llandudno Sea Triathlon included Erdinger Alkoholfrei, Zone3, Clif Bar, Race Force, Truestart and The Queen’s Hotel. Macmillan Cancer Support was the official charity partner for the Llandudno Sea Triathlon and Middle Distance; JustGiving is the Official Fundraising Partner for all Xtra Mile Events.
