Sunday 5 October 2025 - The Wilmslow Autumn Sprint Triathlon

Before the swim

Sue had entered the full Sprint Triathlon - swim/bike/run, and Richard and Jenny had entered the Aquabike Sprint. They don't like running. I was 'Support', which mainly involved sitting with coffee in the café, guarding valuables whilst the others exhausted themselves. I also took a few photos.

The ten o'clock start suited us, it was an early start time - the staggered start lasted until after noon, by which time it was raining hard.

Jenny was taking part in an effort to raise money for Aquabox, a worthy charity for which she raised around £1,000. Further donations will be welcome.

It was hard to get a good viewing spot at the pool, especially as when I did manage that, two lifeguards managed to completely block my view. So I missed Sue and Richard in the pool, but I did spot Jenny as she set off on the 16 length (400 metres) swim.

Outside, the racks of bikes indicated that our trio were amongst the earlier starters on the event in which around 400 took part.

The roads weren't closed, but traffic was quiet, as Sue flew around the 24km bike course. Apparently it was very well marshalled.

At the start/finish of the bike ride a very officious volunteer was demanding accuracy as to the mounting and dismounting of the cyclists.

Sue, above, was first in our group, and would have set off on her run by the time Richard flew in with his bike, to conclude his Aquabike event.

Jenny was next. Here she is on the course, and then finishing.

Meanwhile, Sue was running around the two lap, 6.3km, running course.

She finished inside 34 minutes - a good time.

Jenny undertook a Photoshoot for Aquabox.

Then once Sue had recovered the trio posed for the camera again.

We adjourned to Styal Mill for lunch, and eventually the results were made public and for our trio they are shown below. An excellent event, enjoyed by all.

Friday 18 to Sunday 20 July 2025 - Three Runs

18 July - Sale Sizzler (3)

Sue did the 5km in 23:35, wheras I took 29:15 and finished in position 384 out of 392 finishers.

There was someone behind me!

19 July - Wythenshawe parkrun #626

Sue was tail walker, so I was quicker than her today. She's pictured below with Paul and Jan, who kindly got me a coffee whilst waiting for me to finish in 33:46, in position 324 out of 411 finishers. Quite a few behind me today!

Ready for Charley's wedding?

Run Director Andy was having to walk due to plantar fasciitis Get better soon, Andy 

20 July - Hathersage Hilly Triathlon

I went to the second transition point as I was just doing the 6.5km run as part of Richard and Jenny's relay team. It was fairly deserted.

Meanwhile, at the pool, the swimmers were doing 14 of the 30 metre lengths (420 metres in total).

This was Sue's first Sprint Triathlon. She broke many of the multitude of rules. Here she is doing backstroke - an outlawed style. She was lucky not to be disqualified.

The new 'tri-suit' came in handy

The first transition to a 20km hilly bike ride was accomplished without too much drama

Meanwhile, the leaders were finishing their runs.

Jenny did the swim and handed over to Richard for the bike ride. Here, I'm waiting for him at Transition 2.

Richard turned up, and our transition went well.

The run was hilly.

I missed a turn where the volunteer marshal was a 'no show', so (together with others) my 6.5km run was extended to 7.6km, with over 200 metres ascent. It took me over an hour, during which time it started to rain.

Sue nearly caught up with me, despite our relay team having started half an hour before her.

We each got a nice little wooden medal

Here's our relay team at the finish

Sue W had set off later and did the Triathlon in a similar time to Sue B. She is pictured below with Phil, who withdrew due to an injury. By now the rain was heavy and we all got rather wet before adjourning to the pool café.

All good fun. Here are our results. I promise to do better next time!