Thousands turn out for Sefton triathlon

Jul 2 2009 by Mark Johnson, Crosby Herald

Thousands turn out for Sefton triathlon

PARALYMPIC tennis ace Jamie Burdekin applauded the 1,100 competitors whom took part in this year’s Formby Cycles Sefton Triathlon organised by St Mary’s College.

A bumper crowd of 5,000 people turned out to cheer on the children and adults that stepped up to the challenge of the 150m swim, 5k bike ride and 2.5k run along the coastline near Crosby Leisure Centre.

Jamie Burdekin said: “I think that everyone who has taken time out to raise a lot of money for local charities have done themselves proud. The children and adults have both been fantastic competitors.

“It's a great honour for me to be asked to support the event. It’s brilliant to be here and to I’m happy that I can give the medals out to the kids.”

Participants enjoyed ideal conditions for the largest community triathlon in the world.

They came from as far as Australia to take part, no less than Jim Costello who had not only travelled the furthest but he was also the race’s oldest contestant at 79.

Jim as oldest competitor won a week’s holiday at a hotel in Heswall.