Those who got up early on the 16th May and travelled to Albury Cricket Club witnessed the dawning of a new allabouttriathlons event, renown for their races such as
G3 and the
XTFestival to name but a few.
The LongLeg event was a testing 5k and 10k trail run through the enchanted bluebell forests of the Tillingbourne valley in the Surrey Hills - with hills very much the theme! Runners in the early morning brilliant sunshine chose 1 lap or 2 and were confronted with their first climb after only 500m. Not a steep climb but very sandy. Interspersed with beautiful scenery along the way, the second hill arrived at the 2.8k mark. Longer, steeper but firmer, it’s sting in the tail being a sudden increase of incline and reverting back to energy sapping sand.
The men’s LongLeg10k was won by new kid on the block Nick Druce, in 43:33, whose usual time for this distance is sub 40minutes. “That was harder than I expected! I’ll definitely be back next year though!” He was followed by Tim Butler and then Paul Galley of FitStuff, the sponsor of the event.
The women’s LongLeg 10k was a closer competition with Michelle Roberts coming in a few seconds in front of Sue Wallage. Joanna Bourne came in third, her race preparation clearly paying off!
The men’s ShortLeg 5k was dominated and won by Fabio Musumeci in 24:41 – which was relatively sluggish for him. But as he had competed in a bike race the day before we let him off! He was followed by Gary Adams and then Mick Goodwin.
The women’s ShortLeg 5k was won by Anne Davidson in 26:30, who only decided to enter at the very last minute! Joanna Chandler came in 2nd with Sarah Ward shortly behind her.
All of the above each received gift vouchers supplied by
FitStuff and a jar of locally made jam for their well earned breakfasts.
With an outstanding venue in the heart of the North Downs, a tough course and allabouttriathlons’ reputation, this race will only grow and grow.
