A bumper entry of super-fit athletes headed for the coast to take part in the sixth Clacton Triathlon.

The popular event featured three races - an Olympic-distance triathlon, a childrens' duathlon and a sprint distance triathlon.

And the weekend was all for a good cause, with proceeds going to the Brain and Spine Foundation.

First up on Saturday morning was the children's event a short running and cycling race which attracted 17 competitors.

After that came the off-road spring distance triathlon, comprising a 750 metre swim, 20 kilometre bike ride and five-kilometre run.

Sixty athletes entered the race with 51 starting and 48 crossing the finish line.

Sunday saw the full Olympic distance triathlon - a 1,500m swim, 40km bike ride and 10km run.

There were 200 entries, 50 more than were allowed last year due to police safety restrictions. The places were filled two and a half weeks before the event, with a reserve list in excess of 30 people.

There were 168 starters and 165 finishers, including nine relay teams.

First home was Colchester's Roy Young - a veteran of all six Clacton Triathlons - in a time of 2h 21s.

Second was Epping's Kevin Partridge in 2h 2m 36s and third was Andrew Baker, from Hertfordshire.

Co-organiser Simon Kedge said it had been another hugely successful triathlon.

Published Thursday, September 9, 2004

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