|
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
Hereford Triathlon Club is a small, well organised and friendly club averaging around 100 members each year, who range from beginner to veteran. Here is a brief history of the club...
Hereford’s very first Triathlon took place in 1987 from the Leisure pool before an official club was set up. The first tri was a sprint distance event and one of the first in the region. This inspired several sporting enthusiasts to meet up and the rest as they say, is history. In 1988 Hereford Tri Club became official and was based at Greyfriars, starting with only a few friends who enjoyed the challenge of the multi sport discipline. The first official Hereford Tri Club event took place in 1990. This was a challenging 1000m swim in the River Wye to the Rowing Club, a 25mile bike followed by a 10k run around the race course. It was even more challenging than you may think as wetsuits were forbidden! It was again held on the same course the following year. In 1992 the club took pity on the competitors and a new venue was found at the Bishop of Hereford’s Bluecoat School for the sprint event. The club’s reputation grew and we’re proud to be still known as a friendly bunch who run well organised races. This is still the case now, with the Club enjoying full entries for the event each year. During the 90s the club’s reputation continued to grow with several members representing the GB Junior age group squad and enjoying success in their events. Members still represent the Club at European and International age group events to this day. In 1993 the club ran the first Duathlon from the Leisure Centre incorporating two 5k loops of the race course, and a 20mile bike taking in the infamous Dinmore Hill twice! Britain’s Tim Don held the record for the course until the change of venue in 2002. Such was the popularity of the race over the following years it was selected as a qualifier for the World Duathlon Championships in the mid 90’s. One year, Andrew Johns was even turned away due to the event being full. Names don’t count for anything in this club. The organisers were also reprimanded by a rather embarrassed police officer who was undertaken down Dinmore Hill, Twice!! The event then changed venue to the Bishop’s School in 2002, how much influence the officer had we may never know! After a break in 2008 and 2009, the Duathlon will return at a new venue in 2010. Since 2007 the club has continued to have numerous competitors representing Hereford in the GB age group squads at the European duathlon championships, international sprint championships and other races. We’ve also had numerous guys and girls taking part in Ironman races across the world including Ironman GB, Austria, France and Canada plus Challenge Roth. |
|||
