Moray Firth Triathlon Club stage Gordonstoun sporting spectacle as 80 swim, cycle and run round Moray school course

Published: 14:41, 10 September 2024

| Updated: 15:15, 10 September 2024

A triathlon event in Moray attracted seasoned campaigners and first-time entries of all ages to Gordonstoun school.

Organised by Moray Firth Triathlon Club, the sprint triathlon involved a 412 metre swim of the school’s pool and a 24km cycle and 5k run in the grounds and surrounding area.

Swimmers take to the pool for the first leg of the triathlon. Moray Firth Triathlon, held at Gordonstoun School. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.

Cyclists make their way through the village of Duffus on the cycling leg.Moray Firth Triathlon, held at Gordonstoun School. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.

Louise Maynard.Moray Firth Triathlon, held at Gordonstoun School. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.

Of the 72 triathlon and eight aquabike (swim and cycle only) entries, under-20 triathlete Ruairidh Stirling from Triathlon Inverness was the overall winner, speeding around the three pursuits in little over an hour.

Forres Harriers’ super veteran Siobhan Evans was the first female to the finish line while 14-year-old Ava Luce came in as the best under-20 female in the race.

“Luckily the poor weather conditions didn’t dampen the spirits of our participants, many of whom were doing their first ever triathlon,” said Moray Firth Triathlon Club chairman Colin McGregor.

He thanked staff and students at the school for their support in staging the event, all volunteering marshals and competitors, and sponsor Lees Wealth Management.

Conditions for Sunday’s triathlon were misty and damp, but not too windy or warm.

#901 Louise Maynard runs around the grounds of Gordonstoun to finish the triathlon. Moray Firth Triathlon, held at Gordonstoun School. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.

Dougal Brown cycles through Duffus. Moray Firth Triathlon, held at Gordonstoun School. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.

Sarah Holmes cycles through Duffus on the 25km cycle.Moray Firth Triathlon, held at Gordonstoun School. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.

Vikki Riddell competes in the 5km run - the final leg of the triathlon.Moray Firth Triathlon, held at Gordonstoun School. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.

A club spokesperson added: “Triathlon is a super friendly sport and this event is no exception with great camaraderie between entrants, tips and advice being shared before the swim.

“They were cheering each other on out on the course, giving high fives while completing the run.

“The event attracted lots of first time triathletes, some ticking off bucket lists, some now addicted and (around 20 per cent) booking more events.”

Winner Stirling finished in one hour, five minutes and 53 seconds with female champ Evans clocking 1:18.39.

Veteran Andrew McGhee (Police Scotland Triathlon Section) was second in 1:06.39 with Richard Hills (Fleet Feet Triathletes) third in 1:07.05.

Passing through Duffus on the cycle is Aiky Chan.Moray Firth Triathlon, held at Gordonstoun School. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.

Amanda McCarthy competes in the final leg of the event.Moray Firth Triathlon, held at Gordonstoun School. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.

On the run through Gordonstoun is John Forrest.Moray Firth Triathlon, held at Gordonstoun School. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.

The home club also had the first senior female to the finish in Lucy Dent (1:20.07)

Moray Firth Triathlon Club meets on Tuesdays for swim training with club coaches, and casual training sessions are organised throughout the year as well as social events.

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All Sport Inspire me Other Sport Craig Christie