2019 triathlon series is up and running
THE brand-new Healthy Life Activities Carmarthenshire Triathlon Series for 2019 saw senior triathletes get their season up and running at the Amman Valley Sprint Triathlon.
Sponsoring and supporting all the events this year are Cycle Specific and Victoria Prendiville.
Having attracted up to 250 athletes over the years, it’s now become a firm favourite with athletes and spectators alike, and this was evident in the number seen in 2019.
It was sold out in a record time of seven weeks and over 300 athletes entered, with more than 100 of them taking part in their first ever triathlon event.
The first wave got under way as early as 7am and continued until just before 11am. First up was a 400m swim totalling 16 lengths inside the Amman Valley Swimming Pool.
Next was the 16km bike ride up the main road east from Ammanford to Garnant and back the same way, followed by the 5km run which took runners along the cycle path in Pontaman on a picturesque trail, finishing back at the leisure centre.
The overall male winner was Llanelli, Wales and British triathlete Liam Lloyd, who has already secured the Welsh Duathlon title for 2019.
Looking strong throughout, the Cycle Specific athlete finished in a time of 45:50, four minutes faster than last year’s winning margin.
He said: “I always thoroughly enjoy racing at local events. It was fantastic to see and support so many taking part. It was a challenging course with tough conditions.
“A big thank you to all the Healthy Life Activities and Cycle Specific team for putting on a brilliant event.”
In the female overall category, Jasmine Bowyer from Bynea CC made her race debut in the Amman Valley and clocked 61:46 to claim the first prize.
Also being presented by Cycle Specific representatives Leighton Davies and Dylan Morris at the presentations for the top three finishes in their respective categories were Sion Slymon, Daniel Evans, Rhys Thomas, Nathanial Harries, Neo Seppman, Jamie Best, Dean Johnston, John Thomas, Chris Morris, Paul Arnold, James Thomas Davies, Phillip Murrow, Stephen Skubala, Paul Bennett, Paige Horsnell, Erin Maher, Nia Davies, Seren Everett, Eden Rae Davies, Elizabeth John, Caryl Williams-Ford, Sarah Moody, Jennifer Aylward, Carolyn Williams, Mandy Jack and the Ellis Banner relay team.
Junior male winner Nathanial Harries added: “There was a wide range of abilities that took part, which is great for the community to give people the opportunity to take part in an evergrowing triathlon event.
“I was very happy with my result and I hope to continue to achieve my goals throughout the season.”
This Saturday focus turns to the up-and-coming juniors as a sell-out is expected at the Carmarthen Junior Fun Triathlon, which takes place at Carmarthen Leisure Centre in Johnstown (4pm).