Last Sunday saw the first Winchester Duathlon since it moved to its new location of Lainston House and featured a novice, a sprint and a standard distance race.
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Held on Sunday 22nd March, the new location provided participants with a fast but hilly route that took in the sights of the local countryside and picturesque grounds.
Standard (10km run/41km cycle/5km run)
The standard race was won by Southampton University’s Peter Fuller (main pic, above) in a time of 02:23:31, followed home by Sean Scott two minutes later.
Speaking of the new route, Fuller said, “The run course was pretty hilly so that was tough work, and the second part of the bike route was difficult as well. Four laps wouldn’t be my favourite way to run a 10k to start with, but the scenery around here is fantastic,” he added.
Fran Bungay took a comfortable first place for the women with a time of 02:33:43. Her closest competitor, Siobhan Mccolloch was almost ten minutes behind in second.
Sprint (5km run/ 20.5km cycle/5km run)
George Payne, competing a day before his 21st birthday, has only been racing for less than a year but crossed the line in first place with a time of 01:21:30 followed closely by Gary Armstrong in second.
The woman’s race was less tightly contested with Louise Gubb finishing first in a time of 01:33:14 followed by Angela Burnikell in second place.
Novice (2.5km run/13km cycle/2.5km run)
The men’s novice race was won by Martin Andrews who raced in an impressive time of 00:52:00 on only his second duathlon to date. Andrew Robinson took second in 00:56:34, with Richard Lowe coming a close third in 00:56:43.
Emily Slavin won the woman’s novice race in 00:58:29 to ensure she kept her title of reigning champion and then spoke of her plans to move into triathlon. “I actually used to be a sprinter but over the years I’ve slowly increased my distances.
Emily Slavin wins Winchester Duathlon
“I learned how to swim last year, and now I want to get involved in triathlons. The course really suited me as I actually like hills,” she said.
Vicky Claydon followed Slavin home in second in 00:59:39 with Tansy Gill further back in third with a time of 01:01:43.
Winchester Standard Distance Duathlon
MEN
1) Peter Fuller, 02:23:31
2) Sean Scott, 02:25:31
3) Tim Smales, 02:29:01