Good turnout for this year’s Buxton Triathlon

Peter Hawkins, winner of 2014 Buxton Triathlon.

The Buxton Triathlon took place last Sunday, with cool and dry weather providing perfect racing conditions for the athletes.

Terry Greenwood, winner of the event in 2012 and 2013, was unable to defend his title this year after a close battle with Peter Hawkins.

Greenwood was first out of the water and first on the bike, but Hawkins took the lead on the bike leg and put in an exceptionally fast run, crossing the finish line in a new course record time of one hour, three minutes and four seconds - 19 seconds ahead of Greenwood. David Hughes took third place in a time of 01:10:32.

The women’s race was won by Jennie Spillane of Spa Striders, who also smashed the previous course record.

Spillane wasn’t amongst the top ten to finish the swim but she put in an excellent performance on the bike and the run, storming to victory in a time of 01:19:14.

Runner-up Jennifer Moffat of Peak Coaching finished in 01:20:57, with Eleanor Cliffe claiming third place in 01:24:25.

Well-attended and vociferously supported by plenty of family and friends, the Buxton Triathlon once again enjoyed its usual popularity.

The best performance from a High Peak Triathlon member came from Phil Blundell, who finished seventh overall and second in his age group in a blistering time of 01:12:50.

He was closely followed by Paul Whyte in 01:16:44, whilst in the female section comparative newcomer to the sport Pam Oliver chalked up a very impressive 01:28:00 to finish as lead lady in her age group.

Elizabeth Brooks posted a time of 01:42:54 whilst Adam Burford and Jonathan Smith, both relatively new to the sport, showed great form finishing in 01:34:57 and 01:35:09 respectively.