THE second Okehampton triathlon took place in atrocious weather last Sunday.
With winds gusting to near gale force accompanied by heavy rain, 25 hardy souls took on the 300-metre swim, 14-mile bike ride to Whiddon Down and back, finishing with a 4.5-mile run around Okehampton.
On completion of the swim, held in the comfortable temperature of Okehampton pool, competitors felt the first blast of the elements on the short run to the college where the transition to the bike discipline took place.
Cycling out to Whiddon Down the competitors rode into the teeth of a fierce wind with driving rain in their faces. Full marks must be given to everyone who braved the conditions to return to the college for transition to the run.
The route followed the track to Ball Hill along Tramlines to Parklands and down through woods to the river. After passing the castle back along New Road it finished at the college. Muddy conditions made it slippery underfoot and standing water from overnight rain covered parts of the track, making the run a challenge.
Fatest to cover the three disciplines was Paul Clark who clocked 1.28.00. Chris Hodgson claimed second place with 1.29.31 followed by Andy Vallance on 1.30.50.
Special mention must be given to young Johnny Grayling who attends the college and completed the event in 2.21.00.
Event organiser Ben Stevens at the post-race lunch congratulated everyone who took part and said no-one had used the adverse weather conditions as an excuse for not turning up.
Special thanks went to Dick Chambers and his team of marshalls who also braved the weather to make to make the event such a success.