Busy time for Wessex Wizards Triathlon Club (From This is The West Country)

Busy time for Wessex Wizards Triathlon Club

11:06am Monday 20th July 2009 in Somerset By Steve Sowden

MEMBERS of the Yeovil based Wessex Wizards Triathlon Club had a very busy weekend by taking in five races across the West Country.

On Saturday, the Swanage Half Marathon took place, which saw four club members take the start line.

A hilly road based course greeted the competitors at the mass start of 400 runners, on the promenade.

The first home was Claire Chedzoy collecting third in F35 category in 1hr 39:00.

Followed home by Donna Elliott in 1hr 48:12, who was also a member of the winning Ladies Team of Yeovil Runners. Steve Elliott was next across the line in 1hr 58:30.

Followed by Jody Foy who showed great courage and resillience finishing in 2hr 14:00 following a night out in Bournemouth and 90 mins sleep.

Sunday morning saw the running of both the Andover Triathlon, and The City of Bath Triathlon.

Taking the start at Andover for the 440m swim, 30km bike and 8km run were Julie Hillier, and Mick Duplock.

Mick ,65, who is blind, was guided throughout by fellow club member Rob Gale.

Taking second place in the Vet 60 category Mick finished in a superb time of 2hr 12:00, with Julie being delighted to suffer no punctures for a change finishing in a highly commendable 2hr 15:00.

At The City of Bath Olympic Triathlon, husband and wife pairing of Matt and Karen Allum put in strong performances.

Matt posting 2hr38:30 and a top 50 finish in the 200 strong field. Karen proving her focused training regime is paying off by recording an excellent 2hr54:22 and placing 14th in the highly competetive Open Ladies Category. Sunday also saw members take part in fundraising Sea Swim Challenges at both Bournemouth and Burnham-on-Sea.

At midday 1,200 swimmers entered the wild stormy seas at Bournemouth Pier to swim the 1.2 miles to Boscombe Pier, raising funds for the British Heart Foundation.

Swimmers included Chris Fendt who completed the swim in 25mins. Steve Elliott 31 mins, Scott Quayle 32mins and Donna Elliott in 33mins. The event is believed to have raised about £85,000.

Following the Bournemouth swim, Steve and Donna Elliott hastily packed up their wet suits to drive to Burnham on Sea for the 4.30pm start of the Steart Island Swim.

On arrival at the prom the Bristol Channel looked its normal inviting shade!

Added to by the converging currents and the stormy skies. The event was in some doubt.

However 80 hardy swimmers took the start, which involved swimming to the island against the incoming tide. Leaving the water to run to the checkpoint .

Then rejoining to swim to the shore. First Wessex Wizard to return to the beach was Liz Collins, followed by Steve Elliott.

Stuart Palmer was next in followed by Val Whyman, with Donna Elliott putting in a final sprint across the beach to the finish, proving she could have swam harder.

No finish times were available at this time.