Super Samms is king of the castle

Competitors tackle the swim leg in the Bodiam Triathlon on Sunday. Picture courtesy www.anne-francerixnutrition.co.uk

The event attracted over 230 participants, and began with a 500m swim in the castle moat. This was followed by a 22k bike ride through Staplecross, Northiam and Sandhurst.

The third component of the competition was a 6k run off-road run, with the course taking the athletes alongside the River Rother for much of the distance.

Dan Simms (AIS Fitness), who was using the event as a final training event before this weekend’s London Triathlon, took the men’s title.

Magnanimously he declined the first prize, which was subsequently awarded to Markus Allen (unattached), who finished three minutes behind Simms.

Tim Lucas (East Grinstead Tri Club) and Chris Hovenden (Deal Triathlon Club) came second and third respectively.

Kelly Clark (The Infidel Boat Club) triumphed in the women’s race. Hayley Trevelyan (Maidstone Harriers Tri Club) crossed the line in second place, and Emma Purcell (unattached) completed the podium in third.

Local triathletes who took part from the 1066 Triathletes club included Julie Cowan (6th woman) and Karen Shepherd (22nd). In the men’s event, Daniel Aukett (15th), John Bacon (153rd) and Brian Ackroyd (171st) were amongst the finishers. Special mention should be given to Roy Beeley, who won the 60- 79 age category.

Full results from the Bodiam Triathlon can be found at www.velocity-events.co.uk. Next year’s event will take place on September 14, 2014 and details will be made available later in the year on the Velocity Events website.