It may be one of the toughest all-round challenges on Cayman’s sporting calendar. Almost 100 athletes tested their versatility and endurance as they swam, cycled and ran for glory at public beach this weekend.
An early morning downpour couldn’t put a dampener on a welcome return to Public Beach for the Cayman Islands Triathlon national championships.
In fact the rain clouds provided respite from the heat as the competitors raced against each other and the clock.
Perennial winner Patrick Harfield was crowned champion over the Olympic distance, completing the 1.5km swim, 40km bike and 10km run in 2:07:25.
Harfield found himself neck and neck with Jamie Hughes coming out of the water but pulled away on the bike and clinched victory on the run. Hughes was second with Dale Avery third in the men’s division.
Laura Hicks blitzed to victory in the women’s event in a time of 2:24:31 almost 20 minutes ahead of the field. Sarah Wium took second with Lesley Macdonald third.
Wesley John Cullum won the sprint event – half the distance of the Olympic category – while Kelsey Sabine was the women’s champion.
Olympic distance winner Harfield said it was a great turnout and a fun event.
“It was an awesome race with very favourable conditions and great to have it back in the calendar after it’s absence due to Covid restrictions in 2021.”
Cayman Islands Triathlon Association President Trevor Murphy said it had been a difficult few years with the event postponed in 2020 and cancelled in 2021 because of the pandemic.
“It was amazing to be back on our usual first Sunday in November spot and to be back at Public Beach for the first time since 2018 was special. We look forward to having everyone back there in 2023.”
Murphy also paid tribute to the volunteers, athletes and sponsors – Align, Butterfield, CUC and Red Sail Sports – for making the event possible.
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