Ellesmere triathlon makes triumphant return as 400 take part

The Tri UK Shropshire Triathlon held around the mere and Cremorne Gardens in Ellesmere yesterday was one of three qualifying events selected by the British Triathlon Federation for the 2014 International Triathlon Union World Championship.

Elite athletes battled away during the main event, which included a 1.5 km (0.93 mile) swim, 40 km (25 mile) bike ride, and a 10 km (6.2 mile) run. A shorter Ellesmere Sprint Triathlon was also held, and in total 435 competitors took part during the day.

It was a far cry from last year, when the triathlon was cancelled after only 129 entries were received.

Councillor Alan Clarke, mayor of Ellesmere, started the triathlon at 10.30am, along with wife Ruth, Shropshire Councillor Ann Hartley and her husband Ryan.

He said it was shame about the wet weather, but it didn't dampen the spirit of competitors in what he described as a world-class event.

He said: "It was disappointing from a weather point of view that there probably wasn't the massive turnout of support that there would have been, but it really did go exceedingly well," he said.

"There was some green algae in the Mere, but not anything that would affect the competitors. Only two were unable to complete the course due to cramp.

"It was brilliant because members of Ellesmere Rangers football team were providing refreshments, the Army cadets were there assisting with handing out water for the competitors, the Rotary club was assisting with marshalling, it was a typical Ellesmere community event.

"And Constable Paul Crump, our local police officer, was there even though it was his day off, and it happened to be his birthday as well. It's a measure of the dedication of the people of Ellesmere, which is fantastic.

"It was a successful event and we look forward to it happening again because it makes it as an international qualifying event."

The 2014 world championships are due to be held in Edmonton, Canada.