Triathletes from London & Reading are crowned
12th August 2013Danny Russell and Katie Henderson are crowned English Champions at this year’s Triathlon England – National Championships at West Midlands Water Ski Centre.
Danny Russell, from London, and Katie Henderson, from Reading, were crowned English Champions at this weekend’s BRAT Aquathlon, as they won their respective categories at Saturday’s Triathlon England – National Aquathlon Championships event at West Midlands Water Ski Centre, Tamworth, Staffordshire.
In the men’s event, Danny Russell, 29, secured the 25-29 age group Triathlon England National title with a winning time of 0:26:45. Danny, clearly overjoyed by his achievement, said: "It feels fantastic to win and the race went really well despite a fall on the run, which was a little embarrassing! However, I recovered from that and felt strong at the finish."
Katie Henderson, 31, was first past the finishing line for the women in a time of 0:30:00 and was crowned Triathlon England – National Championship in the 30-34 age group. A delighted Katie, who also had an eventful race, said: "Apart from a snapped goggle in the swim, I had a good race as the course was fast and easy to follow. I am very happy to be crowned English champion and put in a good time in preparation for London."
The West Midlands Water Ski Centre also played host to the penultimate event in this year's British Triathlon Youth and Junior Super Series. Christopher Perham was the quickest in the junior event and Robbie Lightowler first past the post in the youth event.
With the 1,000 places taken up in record time this year, it shows interest in the sport has increased dramatically. Triathlon England have also found that more women in particular are getting involved and 'giving it a tri’ for themselves. In 2012, over 700 triathlons, duathlons and aquathlons took place in England, seeing over 125,000 people competing in races and many of them for the first time.
Jem Lawson, Chair of Triathlon England, added: “It’s great news to see how interest in the sport is continuing to grow and we are excited to say that our 2013 Triathlon England - National Triathlon Championships is already proving very popular. With event sell-outs, it shows these events are growing, and we hope that this in turn will encourage many more to get involved. Our memberships have been increasing steadily and we hope the value we offer will inspire more to get involved.”