2017 Shock Absorber WomenOnly Triathlon: all about the girl power

10th July 2017

Following the successful Lidl BananaMan triathlon the day before, it was another scorcher at Dorney Lake on Sunday for the Shock Absorber WomenOnly Triathlon. Just for the ladies, this supportive and friendly multi-sport day saw over 600 women taking on a range of events from 5km runs, to duathlons and of course triathlons. Whether taking on a challenge for the first time to raise money for official charity Breast Cancer Care, or to challenge themselves to a PB, the atmosphere at Dorney Lake was the perfect combination of competition and comradery.

Early birds arriving in the event village could grab their breakfast samples from Fuel10k as well as SiS GO Isotonic Energy gels from registration as they picked up their race packs. Nutrition partner Science in Sport also offered their GO Electrolyte drink on the course, as well as REGO Recovery sachets at the finish line to help fuel participants throughout the event.

Kicking off the day was the kids Scootathlon for four to eight year olds which saw them whizzing around their three laps of scoot, bike, run to enthusiastic cheers, and claiming their medals under the finishing gantry.

Up next were the 5km and Duathlon participants, with Sharon Walker taking first place in the Duathlon (1:12:22) with a very speedy 20:57 first 5k, followed by Jo Walsh-Pickerill and Ellie Chapman. The 5km winners included Kerry Starkey (25:22), Naomi Avery and Denise Harman.

The first triathletes were soon taking to the water under blue skies and blazing sunshine – the first over the line for the Olympic wave was Karla Boddy (2:24:15), with Seanin Gilmore and Emily Chambers completing the top three. In the Challenge distance Claire Lloyd gave a fantastic performance to take the title (1:47:09), followed by Victoria Lodge and Madeleine Heywood.

With the warm temperatures, participants were encouraged to stay hydrated and a glass of Erdinger Alkoholfrei isotonic recovery drink at the finish line was much appreciated by all. The day also saw a bustling event village with title sponsor Shock Absorber and Boobydoo offering helpful tips, advice and bra fitting to participants to help them get the support they need. Zone3 were on hand for any last minute swim and triathlon supplies, while British Bike Hire were present for any mechanical bike issues faced.

As the morning progressed the distances got shorter, with the Sprint triathletes completing a 750m swim, 21.2km bike, and 5km run. Carol Bridge crossed the finish line first (1:06:04), with Tracey Hare and Gesine Junker close behind. In the SuperSprint it was Luan Mahoney who stormed to success (1:15:15), with Mary Dawson and Caroline Willis completing the podium. This distance also saw relay teams taking part, with the quickest in the wave being Team Fitology Hub (1:23:39), with second place Team Tri Hards, and third place Team Newbies.

The final two waves of the day saw the Novice and First Timer triathletes tackling their triathlon challenges. The Novice wave was won by youngster Nellie Hodgson (44:23), who beat Louise Brown and Rebecca Lennox over the line.

The First Timers wave offered beginners the chance to give triathlon a go, with a huge sense of achievement from participants as they crossed the finish line. Race Buddy Gail Edmans from Race Force was on-hand at registration to offer these newbies advice and reassurance, and there were many smiles and hugs from our new triathletes as they claimed their medals. Taking the top spot was Helen Bach (29:25), ahead of Theodora Robinson and Holly Hine.

As the day drew to a close with much toasting of champagne (and ice cream), the prizegiving took place with all top ladies in their wave receiving a Shock Absorber voucher for a new sports bra.

Full results from the Shock Absorber WomenOnly Triathlon can be found here. The next Human Race triathlons are Woburn Abbey Triathlon 9th and 10th September, and Duchenne UK Triathlon 17th September.