The 46th edition of the popular Sevenoaks Triathlon was held on Sunday 28th April. The sold out race started with a 400m pool swim at the Sevenoaks Leisure Centre; followed by 25km on the bike through Sevenoaks High Street and then through the beautiful Kent countryside arriving back at the Leisure centre and finishing with a challenging 8km run through Knole Park.
Top female finishers were Cath Linney (50 – 59 yrs) of 7Oaks Tri Club in 1:39:02 followed by Lucy Wertheim (30 – 39 yrs) Clapham Chasers, less than a minute later in 1:40.01 and in third Sophie Johnson (30 – 39) from Greenwich Tritons in 1:45:15.
The top male finishers were Scott Wiseman (40-49yrs) from Ashford Tri Club in a blistering 1:22:26); Chris Cavanagh (20-29 yrs) in 1:26:50 and Matthew Latham of Ocean Lake Tri Club (20-29yrs) less than a minute later in 1:27:47.
The venue and picturesque course have proved popular with competitors and the race is also known for its organisation and friendly marshals. 7Oaks Tri club prides itself on its ability to guide those new to racing as well as to recognise those who return year after year. Those that return again and again earn the title (and various privileges) of ‘Evergreen’ once they have completed 10 or more races.
To date there are 128 Evergreens – with local sports hero and educationalist, Edward Oatley, having completed 34 races; other familiar personalities include Jean Pierre (JP) Darque and John Setford, both having completed 24 races. Individuals who have finished more than 16 times include Leon Galler (18); Mike Breese, Andy Fruin, Andrew Mead and Peter Robin, each of whom have finished 17 times and with Clare Wyngard at 13 and Jane Nutley at 11.
Many competitors participate to raise money for charities close to their hearts and this year the club donated 10 places for those aiming to support the charity, Ellenor – supporting families facing terminal illness across Kent and Bexley.
While a triathlon is not really a ‘spectator’ sport, many enjoyed the celebratory atmosphere by the finish line at the Leisure Centre. Potential triathletes thinking about training are welcome to join the club for a free taster month – inclusive of all swim, bike and run training sessions. New members are always welcome – from beginners to more seasoned triathletes.
Female category winners: Under 20 yrs, Jade Martin; 20 – 29yrs- Charlotte Jones of PeteWilbyTriathlon; 30 -39 yrs Lucy Wertheim of Clapham Chasers; 40 – 49 yrs Claire Howard of Tunbridge Wells Triathlon Club and 50 – 59 yrs, Cath Linney of 7Oaks Tri Club.
Male category winners: 20 – 29 yrs Chris Cavanagh; 30 -39 yrs Kieran Fitzpatrick of Tunbridge Wells Triathlon Club; 40 – 49 yrs Scott Wiseman (fastest athlete of the day) of Ashford Tri Club; 50 – 59 yrs Roger Moore of Freedom Tri Crowborough; 60 – 69 yrs Michael Abousselam of DWOT and 70–79 yrs, John Edge. Team Sumerdale won the relay with The Active 6:30 in second.
