New triathlon goes down a storm in Chichester

The weather was perfect for the high-octane endurance race and start times had been calculated to get everyone through at the high point of the tide and into the dry dock at Thornham Marina.

The lack of wind worked against the racers and the automatic lock gate at the end of the swim leg didn’t open initially as the water level was too low, so the first ten swimmers had to scramble up the ladders on the pontoon.

Junior athlete Harry Leleu was fastest through the swim and into the transition area.

The bike course was flat and fast with three laps between Bosham and Emsworth.

The fastest split of the day, 1hr 8min, was set by local favourite Mary Campbell over the 26-mile course.

The run was on a spectacular multi-terrain course through bridle paths, coastal toepaths, fields and roads.

Course designers had put in a few obstacles for the competitors to negotiate on heavy legs.

A 2km blast along the coastal path back towards the marina preceded a sprint to the finish line.

The fastest run was completed by Benjamin Short in 43.08min.

Veteran athlete Peter Mahoney had a strong run leg and passed many juniors on the way to posting 48 minutes.

All bar one of the starters completed this first event of its kind in Chichester.

Short edged Rupert Clifford Brown into second place. Third was Damien Crawford. Campbell took the female title.

The event will be back next year.