Over 200 athletes take on long distance triathlons in Northumberland
Over 200 athletes have tackled the third edition of a gruelling triathlon event in Northumberland. The Northumbrian challenged participants with the option of either a full ‘Iron’ triathlon distance of 140.6 miles, or the half distance of 70.3 miles, starting and finishing at Kielder Waterside. Those taking park in the full Iron distance started with a 2.4 miles swim, followed by 112 miles in the saddle, and the classic 26.2 miles marathon to finish. The half Iron triathletes faced 1.2 miles, 56 miles and 13.1 miles respectively. The event was organised by Events of the North, in partnership with Northumbrian Water.
The full Iron distance triathlon at The Northumbrian was won by Ross Gale in 10 hours, 53 minutes and 56 seconds. Stewart Jones was second in 11:26:02, with Yann Robin third in 11:35:18. Michelle Short won the women’s race, and was fourth overall, in 11:37:18, with Fiona Watt second in 13:04:22 and Charlotte Marr third in 14:36:03. In the half Iron distance, the race was won by Adam Templeton in 5:02:34. Adam took part in the first event in 2022, when he was lat out of the swim leg and didn’t have a great cycle or run. Since then, he has trained really hard and it paid off with his hard fought victory this year. Gregory Godley was second in 5:10:41, and Richard Dowling was third in 5:14:16. Claire Cook won the women’s race in 5:32:54, followed by Mairi Struthers in 5:33:51, and Jenny Millett in 5:41:45.
Pictured: Adam Templeton (First Place Male in the half Iron distance)
Race founder Steve Cram comments: “We saw some excellent performances in both races at The Northumbrian. Like last year, the weather was kind to us, so our athletes were able to swim in Kielder Water, and then experience the magnificent Northumberland landscape during their cycle and run legs. The Iron and half Iron distances are really tough challenges, so it was great to see so many smiles on the faces of participants. As ever, we’re grateful to Northumbrian Water for allowing us to host the event at Kielder Waterside, to the other organisations that supported us, and to all of our volunteers, who had long days on duty. It’s brilliant to be able to stage an Iron triathlon up in Northumberland, and we look forward to returning next year.”
Entries are now open for the 2025 edition of The Northumbrian, which will take place on Sunday 29 June. There is an ‘early bird’ offer for places on each race, available until 31 October. For more information, visit thenorthumbrian.com.
