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24

Aug 2021

Last Updated: 24/08/2021
Community
Community

Dalesman triathlon in Ripon attracts 600 hardy souls

by Tim Flanagan

| 24 Aug, 2021
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A 6am plunge in the lake at Ripon Races started the full distance event, which consisted of a 2.4 mile swim followed by a 112-mile cycle route in Masham, Dallow Moor and Brimham Rocks and a 26-mile marathon. The last competitor finished at 10.30pm.

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A participant completing the Dalesman triathlon, which was held in Ripon this past weekend.

More than 600 people entered the inaugural Dalesman Triathlon on Sunday, which started and finished at Ripon racecourse.

Triathlons consist of a swim, followed by a cycle ride and run.

There were three different distances, the main one being the full Dalesman, which consisted of a 2.4 mile swim in the lake at Ripon racecourse followed by a 112-mile cycle route in Masham, Dallow Moor and Brimham Rocks and a 26-mile marathon run that returned to Ripon.

The full Dalesman started at 6am and final competitor finished in darkness at 10.30pm. Henry Sleight won in a time of nine hours and 53 minutes.

Event organiser Rob Wilkins, who lives near Ripon, said it was a successful but exhausting day and he hoped it would return next year.



Keen runner, the Rt. Revd Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, the Bishop of Ripon, was among those who answered a call for volunteer marshals put out by Ripon Runners club, of which she is a member.

Dr Hartley said:

"It was a terrific event, and great for the region to attract nationwide competitors.
"In addition, it highlighted the sporting attractiveness of Ripon and its surrounding communities.  It was great fun to be a marshal and I am full of admiration for all those taking part."