Fenwick sets pace in Wick triathlon
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WICK’S annual sprint triathlon attracted competitors from all over Scotland – plus an entry from vintage triathlete Richard Dunbar, of San Francisco, who was on his annual break in Caithness.
Temperatures were below average for the month, making for comfortable conditions.
Mark Taylor, from Thurso, and Pete Fenwick, originally from Thurso now living in Shetland, went head-to-head in the challenge. Both competitors excel at all three disciplines and no-one was able to predict who would win.
The swim event was carried out at Wick Swimming Pool. The 30 lengths proved a real challenge for some, however, they soldiered on and all participants completed the required 750m.
Fastest was Fenwick in 10 mins 04 secs, followed by Neil Robertson, of Orkney, and Joe Spencer, from Thurso, in 10 mins 50 secs, with Taylor next out of the water in 10 mins 55 secs.
Chelsea Durrand swam in the Wick pool staff team, completing her challenge in the second fastest time of the day in 10 mins 38 secs.
The second leg of the race was the 12-mile cycle. A quick transition can make a huge difference in the final placings. Fastest was Fenwick in a blistering time of 28 mins 27 secs.
Taylor was trying to make up for the lost time in the pool but was unsuccessful in catching him, but still managed to record the second fastest time in 29 mins. Angus Peden, of Ayr, completed the cycle leg in the third fastest time of 31 mins 2 secs, with Paul Trott, from Inverness, next in 31 mins 12 secs.
The third part of the race was a three-lap run around a challenging course. Runners had to endure the Harbour Terrace hill, then a continual climb to the Assembly Rooms. This was testing on the leg muscles and stamina, as it came immediately after the cycle.
Taylor worked hard to try to catch Fenwick and, although he was unsuccessful, he recorded the fastest run time in an impressive 18 mins 49 secs. Pete was second fastest in 19 mins 11 secs.
Peden and Trott also excelled in the run, completing the course in 20.02 and 20.32 respectively.
Organisers said it was encouraging to see many locals taking part. Some were determined to improve on previous times and some just wanted to complete the course to confirm their fitness levels.
William MacDonald and Bryan Newlands, of Wick, were competing in their first triathlon. They took part enthusiastically, finding the swim challenging. However, they enjoyed the event so much they are intent on competing in the future.
There was also healthy competition between father-and-son Dave and Joe Spencer. Joe is showing excellent improvements at the age of 15 and managed to successfully outdo his father by just over a minute.
Lorna Stanger continued her steady improvements in the pool, which ensured she was well placed overall. She successfully completed the race as first overall female. Three teams also competed with each member of the team doing one discipline. It was a close-fought race with just over seven minutes splitting first and third places.
Trophies: Peter Fenwick (first overall and first senior male), Paul Trott (first veteran), David Sutherland (first super veteran male), Richard Dunbar (first vintage male), Joe Spencer (first junior), Keith Warhurst (first local male), Lorna Stanger (first veteran female), Debs Simpson (first senior female and most improved), Martine Hughes (first super veteran female), Peta Barber (first vintage female), Fiona Bremner (first local female). Team: Liz Masden, Joe Wright and Neil James (first team).
Results: 1, Pete Fenwick, 58.43; 2, Mark Taylor, 59.44; 3, Angus Peden, 1.04.03; 4, Neil Robertson, 1.07.27; 5, Joe Spencer, 1.08.29; 6, Paul Trott, 1.09.38; 7, David Spencer, 1.09.40; 8, David Sutherland, 1.09.46; 9, Graeme Morgan, 1.10.54; 10, Magnus Harrold, 1.11.02; 11, Robert MacDonald, 1.11.11; 12, Martin Archibald 1.12.26; 13, Keith Warhurst, 1.13.17; 14, Neil Simmonds, 1.13.57; 18, Derek MacKay 1.19.49; 19, Paul Bremner, 1.20.28; 20, Colin Moore, 1.21.10, 21, Donald Begg 1.21.44; 22, Scott MacDonald, 1.23.07; 23, Debs Simpson, 1.23.35; 24, John Amy 1.23.49; 25, Martine Hughes, 1.24.54; 26, William Sutherland, 1.25.39; 27, Craig Roy 1.27.13; 28, Fiona Bremner, 1.28.21; 29, William MacDonald, 1.29.15; 30, Clare Elliot, 1.29.27; 31, Sarah MacKay, 1.30.14; 32, Yvonne Pollard, 1.30.18; 33, Bryan Newlands, 1.31.45; 34, Peta Barber, 1.35.36; 35, Richard Dunbar, 1.36.25; 36, Peter Dobbie 1.45.28.
Teams: 1, Liz Masden, Joe Wright and Neil James, 1.12.48; 2, Chelsea Durrand, Willie Little and Sarah Robertson, 1.18.20; 3, Norscot – John-Paul Body, Willie Paton and Jonathan Miller, 1.20.02.
