Big Lime Weekend 2021
KLTC Dan Clarkson (Pictured below) competed in the Hartlepool Big Lime Weekend. Making use of a very handy Travelodge 2 mins commute from the transition area, Clarkson challenged himself to the whole weekend's events. The first treat of the weekend on Friday, was an open water swim in Jacksons Dock next to Hartlepool Maritime Experience and Historic Quay. Clarkson swam 750m Open Water in 12:45.0 achieving 24th place. Next on the agenda, Saturday's Aquathlon event. The 750m swim and 5km run saw Clarkson finish in 45:28.1 32nd overall. The final event on Sunday to round his weekend up was the sprint triathlon, 750m swim, 20km most flat cycle route, and 5 km run, along the promenade following the sweeping sandy bay of Hartlepool and Seaton, completed in 01:28:31 gaining 29th in his age group.
KLTC Aquathlon
KLTC held their very own club Aquathlon at Pentney water sports lake. Attended by current members, and a few new faces. Consisting of a 950m open water swim in the warm, shallow waters of Pentney lake. Followed by 4k running off-road around the lake. Designed as training or racing using full race rules, timing and race numbers, for the competitive types. The event saw an old world ‘mass start’ swim including a few going off too fast... For those new to multisport, Aquathlon is swim followed by a run event and is a great start to anyone considering triathlons. It includes the T1 or transition one. This is where the swim is exited and preparation for the run takes place, wetsuit off, trainers on and go!.
Competitors were surprised by a very unique finish line, following the official run route signage saw runners seeming to end on the lake's protruding pontoon. After the initial confusion, the finish line tape could be seen across the lake on a sandbank! (Pictured below) The final sprint to the finish was indeed, diving in and swimming to glory! No goggles, trainers optional, but an excellent end to an amazing event.
Also competing was Ronnie Robinson, a 16 year old visually impaired athlete who was recently enlisted into the team GB paratriathlon training academy, Robinson was supported by a KLTC guide throughout the swim/run event. (Pictured below, Ronnie and Guide Sophie)