Frosty Aquathlon 2023 Race Report
2023 was the 27th year of the event, always on the first Sunday in March. Gales, rain and snow have been a feature of the race, but this year the beginning of March saw a drop in temperature and competitors woke to a chilly 4 degree. However there was little wind on the course and race conditions were good, particularly as transition is indoors in the warm, down the side of the pool. Once again competitors travelled from across London and the SouthEast with one from overseas.
The first event was the ‘Frosty’ where competitors completed 32 lengths of the Wave’s pool before exiting and completing a 10k run around Mewsbrook Park and along the seafront promenade. Pip Bennett from Herne Hill Harriers won the event covering the course in just 48:55. Pip’s very strong swim saw him exit from the pool with the fastest swim time of just 11:10 – including transition and backed this up with the second fastest run split of 37:45. Pete Woodward from Crowborough Runners gained the fastest run split of 37:19 to finish second overall. Jon Cassell from host club Tuff Fitty in third.
Brighton Tri Club won the ladies event with Kerry McGawley off the back of the fastest female run split of 41.19. Natalie Wettler was just 19 seconds behind from Horsham Amphibians. Becky Owens gained third position 15 seconds later. Whilst Becky secured the fastest swim & transition of 13:07 all the podium three exited the pool close together in under 14 minutes,
A shorter distance race was also staged, the ‘Frostbite’ which comprised swimming 16 lengths of the pool before a 5k run and it was gratifying to see so many entrants new to multisport. With the fastest swimmers all starting together it always proves competitive as once out on the course, the runners can see who they need to chase down to improve their position. Southampton University claimed the fastest swim split of 6:22 (inc transition) through Lewis Purssey. His teammate Marcus Widdess powered off on the run gaining the fastest split of 18:02 to finish first overall in 24:42. Having been second fastest out of the swim, James Mapley (Tuff Fitty) held on with his 19:18 run split to take the second podium position with Mik Onions in third from Brighton Tri Club.
Rebecca Holdaway won the ladies race off the back of the fastest run split of 20:50 to finish 1.5 minutes ahead of Harriet Cunningham (Brighton Tri) in second and Juliette Roberts (Arena 80) third. Finishing fourth, Lydia Jordan secured the ladies fastest swim split (6:41)
50 club members were present at the event marshalling, lane counting and ensuring the event ran smoothly, with two marshals dressing up as traffic cones which cause much amusement, Despite having so many members on the race team, Tuff Fitty won the team competition beating last year’s winners, Southampton University who have held the title for the past three years. .
Thank you to all the competitors who took part and were pleased with the goody bag which included a Beanie hat.
The provisional date for Frosty 2024 is March 3rd
Flickr Albums:
,
