TWO West Devon athletes competed in the GoldCoast Festival Aquathon, now in its seventh year, over the weekend in Croyde, near Braunton. The race consists of a gruelling 1km sea swim followed by a 7.5km beach run, a task no short feat in itself, but for Rhys Davey, 18, and Dave Hutchins, 23, it was simply a chance to exceed themselves as they finished third and fifth respectively.
Rhys, who finished with a time of 41 minutes 49 seconds, has already represented Great Britain internationally by winning a gold medal in the European Relay and is now preparing to study sports and exercise science at Leeds Met University in September having finished his National Diploma at Kelly College, Tavistock.
Having taken part in the Exmoor Iron Man triathlon last week, finishing in five hours 20 minutes, a tired Mary Tavy-based Dave Hutchins completed the aquathon in 44 minutes 6 seconds. He told the Times: 'The race was different to anything else, it was an amazing experience.'
It was a double celebration for Dave this week having recently qualified as a medical doctor shortly to begin his career at Treliske Hospital in Truro.
This is the 11th annual GoldCoast 'Oceanfest' and featured performances from such acts as Jason Mraz and Newton Faulkner as well as appearances from BMX and skateboard teams from around the UK. For more information on the festival or the aquathon visit the official website goldcoastoceanfest.co.uk