17th September 2006, London: Thousands of spectators lined the closed roads of a warm Richmond Park today to cheer on more than 2,500 celebrities and fun runners as they competed in the world’s largest Duathlon.
The first wave started on time at 9am sharp to loud cheers and claps from the supportive crowd, and it was race competitor number 1, Londoner Dave Aitchison, from the Herbalife Triathlon Academy, who won the event in an amazing time of 01:21:41. Aitchison has enjoyed a great year within the multi-sport of triathlon coming third in his age group in the World Championships and first out of all amateurs in the Michelob ULTRA London Triathlon.
Dave Aitchison commented: “I really enjoyed the event but found it surprisingly hard. It was great to race on the closed roads of Richmond Park.”
In the Female Challenge, Fiona Ford, also from London, won in 01:31:47, the fastest by five minutes, adding to her age group win at the recent Triathlon World Championships in Lausanne.
Television stars from Sky TV’s Soccer AM lined Richmond Park with presenter Tim Lovejoy flying the flag in the Challenge Distance. Along with his producer, the two from the football show raced impressively encountering few problems along the way. So, as the deer and dogs were kept at bay, Lovejoy finished the full distance of 10km run, 20km cycle and 5km run in a respectable time of 02:03:19.
From the finish line, Lovejoy commented: “The London Duathlon was a great event and a fantastic challenge. I did find it tough, especially the bike section, but thankfully it was for a good cause!”
A further seven individuals from the Soccer AM production team joined Tim Lovejoy to raise money for event charity Maggie’s Centres, putting in a remarkable performance taking part in the Fun Distance.
The London Duathlon took place entirely within Richmond Park, the largest open space in London, with both individual athletes and teams participating. For the only day of the year, roads were closed throughout the park to cars, giving competitors the opportunity to race safely with nothing to worry about except the odd deer or two within the stunning Royal Park surroundings.
The London Triathlon Ltd., owners of The Michelob ULTRA London Triathlon – the world’s largest triathlon – and the stunning Blenheim Triathlon, created The London Duathlon, in 2005, to keep up with the massive growth of the sport whilst maintaining the objective to offer top class events that are achievable by everyone.
Event Director Nick Rusling commented: “The second London Duathlon has been a huge success with many of the 2,500 competitors taking the first steps into the UK’s fastest growing sport. Tens of thousands have been raised for charity and Richmond Park has offered a safe and beautiful venue for competitors as well as spectators. We’re looking forward to a bigger and better London Duathlon in 2007!”
Marie McQuade, Head of Fundraising at Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres commented: “It was great to see so many people raising money for Maggie’s once again. The London Duathlon has been a huge success both in terms of raising money and awareness of Maggie’s Centres, and all efforts will result in Maggie's being able to offer psychological and emotional support to anybody affected by cancer.”
First timer Charlotte Lion stated: London life means fitting in team sports is too difficult, so I converted to duathlon, a more individual sport, that I could still train for with friends. I really enjoyed the event as I love cycling and running.”
Website: www.thelondonduathlon.com .
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