RACE REPORT 2010 ...

The annual Llanelli Waterside Sprint Triathlon took place over the weekend at the award winning Millennium Coastal Park. The weather conditions were perfect for a Triathlon which attracted a record entry of 207 athletes from across Wales and England for the 500m swim, 17mile bike ride and 5Km run. The event which was organised by Human Being Active and supported by Carmarthenshire County Council and the Llanelli Waterside project has established itself as a premier attraction on the Welsh Triathlon circuit.

Triathetes from across the Country started to assemble outside the Discovery Centre at 6:30am on a glorious Sunday morning, all looking forward with great expectation at the race ahead. Triathlete Ben Marshall from Surrey commented “ This must be one of the best locations in the UK for a Triathlon” as he surveyed the calm water’s of the North Dock and the picturesque views over Carmarthenshire Bay. A view shared by many who had travelled far and wide to race in Llanelli.

The youngest athlete taking part was 15 year Kieran John whilst the eldest entrant was Errol Alexis from Cardiff at the age of 74. Both finished well ahead of many other competitors.

 The race started with all swimmers assembled in the North Dock for the 500m swim. As the hooter went for the Triathlon to start, the tranquil waters of the North Dock suddenly resembled the inside of a washing machine as over 200 athletes with their arms and legs splashing the water start to swim.

10The Amman Valley Paddlers provided the necessary water cover required and they were left to look on as all triathletes managed to complete the 500m open water swim. Exiting the water with the fastest time of the day was Josh Harries in 7:43 followed closely by Morgan Davies in 7:57, the fastest lady was Elinor Thorogoood in 8:28. The bike section of the race took them down to Kidwelly before returning to the North Dock. There was very little wind which is highly unusual along the Carmarthenshire coast and this meant the race produced some very fast bike times. Although he only finished in 29th  position overall, local athlete Chris Bates from Bynea Cycling Club posted the fastest bike split of 40:55. The lead swimmers also had very strong bike legs but Rhondda triathlete Rhys Jones and Pembroke’s Oliver Simon were now competing for the overall title after strong bike rides. With only seconds separating both athletes the 5Km run was strongly contested with Rhys Jones holding on to become the Llanelli Waterside Triathlon champion in an overall time of 1:09:24 with Oliver Simon in second with a time of 1:09:30.

Elinor Thorogood led the women’s race from the start. She built up a strong lead after the swim and maintained that lead to comfortably win the Female title in a time of 1:18:14. The second female to cross the line was Pembroke’s Ellie Jones in a time of 1:21:36.  Liam Lloyd from Llanelli who is now part of the British Development squad picked up second Youth whilst John Williams from Ammanford collected the Carmarthenshire Residents Triathlon crown

Race Organiser Noelwyn Daniel stated

The Llanelli Triathlon attracts athletes of all abilities and ages, we encourage everyone to give Triathlon a go and our race caters for athletes of all abilities and many taking part were raising funds for charities of there choice.

The Race organsing team from Human Being Active would like to thank the St John’s Ambulance for there superb first aid cover and Pontyberen RFC for providing over 20 marshalls to assist on the day and the Amman Valley Paddlers for the water cover. The next major race in Llanelli will now be the annual Llanelli Waterside 10km Fun Run and Children’s races on June 20th at the Festival Fields.

Well done and thank you to all that took part in the 2010 event ...

2010 RESULTS ... provisional until fully ratified

PICTURES ... courtesy of Sporty Snaps