5 June 17:  Despite a torrential downpour midway through the event, the 2017 Montrose Triathlon was another huge success.  Over 200 triathletes took to the swimming pool, roads and pavements in and around Montrose on Sunday, 4 June.

 

The event, which was organised by social enterprise Tri Angus Limited on Sunday, 4 June, is now in its fourth year, offered participants of all ages and abilities a great sporting challenge in the fantastic setting Montrose has to offer.

 

This year’s triathlon continued to receive much needed support from a number of local businesses including Agrii, Arbikie Highland Estates, Angus Bike Chain, Blooming Bee’s, Carnoustie Creative, Guthrie Bros, McCain, Park and Links Hotels, Sattva Wellness, Scotmid, Scottish Wildlife Trust, Specsavers Montrose and Sweatshop.  The event sold out within hours of opening entries in January and saw over 400 participants register to take part – the highest number to date.

 

The sprint event, which saw participants swim 750m, bike 20km and then run 5km, put some of the more experienced participants through their paces.  Stephen Clark (45, Dalgety Bay) took the title in the men’s event, while Glasgow Triathlon Club’s Vicky Begg (43, Kirkintilloch) was winner in the women’s event.  Hot on Stephen’s heals in the men’s event was Cathal Reilly (30, Glasgow) of Fusion Triathlon Club who finished second, and Marcus Taylor (34, Wirral) racing for East Fife Triathlon Club in third.

 

In the women’s sprint event Vicky Begg had tough competition from Ashley Blundell (38, Luncarty) who finished in second, with local lass Jenny Officer-Warden (41, Montrose), racing for Montrose Triathlon Club, in third place.

 

The event attracted a huge number of people inspired to try the sport, with 40% of the 237 participants on the start list making their triathlon debut at the Tri Angus event. In fact, all the podium winners in the novice event were making their triathlon debut in Montrose, including 15 year old Niamh Henderson (15, Kirriemuir) who stunned everyone (including herself!) by winner the female novice race.  She beat Katherine Ross (26, Kingswells, Aberdeenshire) into second place and Ashleigh Forfar (34, Brechin) into third.

 

The novice event, which sees participants swim 400m, bike 12km and run 5km, it was almost a clean sweep for the locals men with Montrose’s Richard Stridgeon (35, Montrose) claiming the title, closely followed by Peter McEleavy (44, Broughty Ferry, Dundee) racing for Monifieth Triathlon Club, who finished in second place, and Montrose Triathlon Club’s Simon Davidson (38, Auchenblae) clinching third place.  Again, all three winners were making their triathlon debut in Montrose.
With the exception of the one heavy shower, the event enjoyed some of the fine weather Angus has had recently which added to the success and enjoyment for everyone from the participants, the volunteers and the crowds of supporters and spectators. The event attracted over 70 volunteers this year, all of whom contributed to the success of the event.

 

Maggie Lawrie, Tri Angus Director, was delighted with the success of Sunday’s event and is looking forward to next year already.

“It has been a fantastic event and after all the hard work of organising everything it was great to see everyone really enjoying themselves and feeling proud of their achievements at the finish line” commented Maggie.

 

“Well done to everyone who took part.  I would also like to say a massive thank you also to all our volunteers who helped out both on Saturday and Sunday, and to our sponsors. Without the support of the local community this event simply would not be possible.

“This year the event partnered with local charity Tayside Mountain Rescue and I hope we have raised a significant amount to support the lifesaving services they provide.  The Tayside Mountain Rescue Team provided first aid support for all our participants and volunteers yesterday.  I am grateful not many people needed to test their skills though!!”