I did this race in 2012 as my 1st ever triathlon and the event has grown exponentially! There are now 1700 competitors taking part in the Sprint and Standard distances making it one of the largest UK triathlons.
The Standard was a 1k/51k/11k distance with the bike route incorporating Pen-y-pass whilst the run was a torturous struggle up the slate mine and back down. If you had the energy you could also compete for the ‘Kinetica Quarryman Challenge’, the race to summit the slate mine the quickest.
Welsh sheep might have said the weather was being kind, but a blustery wind and muggy atmosphere sapped the energy from aching muscles later into the bike and run routes. The run promised stunning views down to Llanberis but was a feat of endurance as it climbed almost 300m out of the valley and onto the hills. First back was Ewan Brown in a new course record, whilst Suzie Richards won the women’s title.
Coming in 15th place (and 6th in the Quarryman Challenge despite wheezing most of the way up) was a pleasing result, though it’s difficult to understand how more than a dozen people have crossed the line in front of you when you’re straining every muscle to take off your timing chip. I’m sure others have wondered the same. Also congratulations to Tony, Mark, Danny and Lee who also finished from WTC. Hope your legs are recovering better than mine!