Mounts Bay Harriers' first event of the 2013 Jubilee Pool Aquathlon Series attracted 75 hardy competitors from all over the country to take to the chilly waters of Jubilee Pool.
Now in its sixth year, the event took place in a refreshing easterly breeze blowing in off the sea to cool the competitors on the run once they had finished the swim.
Overall Mounts Bay Harriers took first, second and third for the men – Pete Le Grice 12.37, Jacob Wood 13.48 and Kyle Kearey 14.06, with only Melissa Reid (Gyllyngvase SLSC) denying the Harriers a clean sweep for the women. First was Ellie Ringwood in 15.14, second Melissa 15.51 and third Shannon O'Connell 16.04.
Hertfordshire, Cheshire, Bristol, Somerset, Devon, Shropshire provided about 15% of the competitors with locals from Cornwall making up the rest.
The idea of the aquathlon is to swim the 200 metre triangle of the pool and then run two miles along the Promenade to Tolcarne and back. The fastest take just over 12 minutes, the slowest over 30 minutes. No-one knows where they have finished until the final results are produced as competitors enter the pool at 30 second intervals and go flat out until they cross the finish line.
Families took part with sons and daughters pitted against their parents, together with sibling rivalry. Mawgan Osborne beat his mum, Sacha, by 11 seconds, while Brothers, Jacob and Tom Wood, were once again competing against each other, as were the Reid family from Gyllyngvase SLSC, Allan, Melissa and Courtney-Lee.
The Kearey family were out in force with Kyle, Blaine, Liam and Anika. The Briscoe family, Clive, Ally and Harry, were down on holiday and all took part, while Rosie Tonkin and her dad Shaun put in a brilliant effort.
For some this was their first multi-sport race, ages ranged from 13 to 65 with prizes for first and second in seven age categories for both male and female. Having more age groups means that people who do not normally get prizes are recognised for their efforts.
Special mention to Claire Sharp who only recently took up running and swimming and finished her first ever race.
Thanks go to the 20 marshals who gave up their time on a beautiful Sunday evening to make this event happen.
Also to Regents Court Veterinary Practice and Penzance & District Tourism Association who are both supporting the series this year.
The second race in the series is on Wednesday June 26 at 7pm. Registration commences one hour beforehand.
Top 25 finishers, Digest page 76. Full results can be found at www.mountsbayharriers.co.uk
Age group winners:
13-16: Ellie Ringwood (MBH) 15:14; Jacob Wood (MBH) 13:48.
17-19: Courtney-Lee Reid (Gyllyngvase) 17:46; Thomas Wood (MBH) 15:02.
20-29: Melissa Reid (Gyllyngvase) 15:51; Peter Le Grice 12:37.
30-39: Katie Shepherd 16:50; Blaine Kearey 15:49.
40:49: Sacha Osborne 17:40; Allan Reid (Gyllyngvase) 14:12.
50-59: Nick Brooks (MBH) 17:09.
60+: Ray Frith (Newquay Tri) 18:27.
