Yesterday, 21 July 2019, Forfar played host to almost 200 triathletes as the second Forfar Triathlon took place in the town.  Based at the Community Campus participants swam, biked and ran around the town, being cheered on by local residents along the route.

The event, which has received tremendous support from a number of local organisations including Scotmid, Strathmore Water, Thrums Vet Group, AM Phillip, Glenford, Sattva Wellness, Angus Bike Chain, Ogilvy Vodka, Guild Homes, Tayside Mountain Rescue, Carnoustie Creative, Montrose Triathlon Club, Forfar Falcons, Forfar Road Runners, Arbroath’s Police Scotland Youth Volunteers and Voluntary Action Angus, sold out within 36 hours of opening entries in January (240 places), with over 100 people adding themselves on a waiting list too.

The ladies sprint event was, which saw participants complete a 750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run, was won by Gillian Hislop (43, Edinburgh, Pentland Triathletes) for a second year in a row in

a time of 01:17:35.  Local lass Tracy Morgan (37, Kirriemuir, no club) was hot on her heels finishing 16 seconds behind Gillian to secure second place, with junior athlete Chantel Thomson (17, Falkirk, Grangemouth Triathlon Club) taking an impressive third place.

The men’s sprint event was won by Robert Harrison (47, Blairgowrie, Monifieth Triathlon Club) in an speedy 01:06:44.  Second place was won by Dundee’s David Miller (49, Dundee, Monifieth Triathlon Club), with third spot going to Craig Wood (33, Inverbervie, Montrose Triathlon Club).

The novice event asked participants to complete a 400m swim, 10km bike and 5km run, saw 60% of those on the start list take part in their first triathlon.  The ladies event was a tightly fought race with 47 seconds separating the top three.  It was won by Sandra Weir (38, Aberdeen, no club) in a time of 00:56:30, with first time triathlete Olivia Ritchie (22, Dundee, no club) clinching second place in a time of 00:56:44 and third place going to Gillian Peters (42, Cupar, Glenrothes Triathlon Club) in a time of 00:57:17.

The men’s event was won by Forfar’s Craig Bell (54, Forfar, no club) in a time of 00:51:30, with youth athlete Innes Kelly (14, Laurencekirk, no club) taking an very impressive second place and Ross McGechaen (38, Bathgate, no club) taking third place.

The event not only attracted entries from all over Scotland, 15 local authority areas were represented, but also played host to visitors from Alaska (who had planned their holiday around the event) and England.

Tri Angus Ltd Director Maggie Lawrie commented “We are thrilled with how the event went yesterday and the positive feedback we received from everyone taking part.  It’s a real joy to see the smiles on everyone’s faces as they cross the line.  We have a real mix of GB Age Group athletes and triathlon newbies taking part in the event and it’s great to see how everyone comes together to support each other regardless of whether they are first timers or seasoned pro’s.

“I must also say a huge thank you to the volunteers who helped run the event on the day – all 77 of them, as well as our sponsors and event partners – without whom we simply couldn’t run the event.  We look forward to organising the event again next year!”.

 

For the full results click here.