I Just started doing these events in the last few years and treat them as a challenge, i`m never going to win one but always hope to do well in my age group, they are always a memorable day out and give you something to focus on when training . I prefer the longer and harder events where just finishing in good form is an achievement in itself .

• Ashington sprint (25th April 2010) This and the QE2 events were my introduction into triathlon races. (400m swim, 20k bike, 5k run)

• QE2 sprint  (6th June 2010)  (750m swim, 24k bike, 6k run)

• NYP Ripon  (10th July 2010) An Olympic distance event held at Ripon Race course. Camping is allowed on the race course area itself so very handy. The swim is in the lake here too, the bike course is not too interesting and includes a section on dual carriage way but its flat and fast. (1500m swim, 40k bike, 10k run)
  

  Helvellyn Triathlon

• Helvellyn  (Sept 2010) A real step up from your normal triathlon, a cool swim (in every sense of the word) in Ulswater then the bike includes an ascent of “The Struggle” from Ambleside to the top of Kirkstone pass which is usually lined with noisy cheering spectators on race day. The fell run is a real test of stamina up to the top of Helvellyn via Swirral edge and along to Whiteside before a fast-as-you-dare descent back to Glenridding and the finish. (1 mile swim, 38 mile bike, 9 mile run)

• Helvellyn  (4th Sept 2011)  The Same route as last year but got round quicker, two main reasons, firstly a better bike and secondly two weeks training in the Pyrenees earlier in the summer. (1 mile swim, 38 mile bike, 9 mile run)

• Coniston Old Man  (3rd June 2012) The swim is in Coniston Water as is followed by a very tough bike leg up Wrynose (the hard way) then over Hardknot pass. I got a puncture coming down off Hardknot and then my rear derailleur packed in so didn’t finish this one. The fell run includes an ascent of Wetherlam and the Old man of Coniston. (2k swim, 70k bike, 20k run)

• Wenslydale Full-Cheese  (12th Aug 2012) Centered around Hawes in the Yorkshire Dales, the swim is in Semer Water followed by a real tough bike leg with several 1 in 4 sections including Buttertubs Pass the hard way. The run is mostly on the Pennine way up to Great Shunner Fell and back. (2k swim, 42 mile bike, 20k run)

• Challenge Henley  (Sept 16th 2012) Challenge Henley 2012 iron-distance race started outside of the impressively located Henley Business school on the banks of the River Thames. The swim portion of the race is in the river and is an out and back affair, the first half being against the natural flow . I always remember everybody being in the water nervously waiting for the start and the organisers playing loudly a version of the intro to Kashmir by Led Zeppelin over the tannoy – it still gives me goosebumps to this day. Swimming is not my strongest discipline by a long way and i found this a cold, long swim and was mightely relieved to get it over with. The bike was a three-loop course through the Chiltern Hills with about 2000m climbing in total, followed by a flat run along the Thames riverside paths and Henley Town. I got a real boost seeing my sister and family as i finished the bike leg and cheering me on to the finish and was much appreciated at the time. Alas, Challenge Henley is no more, i think they had problems with the race affecting local businesses in the area, the Challenge organisers moved this September time slot to a new Challenge Iron Distance event at Weymouth. (3800m swim, 180k bike, 42k run)

• A Day In The Lakes  (30th June 2013)  Back to the Lake District for this half iron-man distance event over a tough course. The nearest town is Pooley Bridge and the venue itself is ideal, most of the competitors camp at Park foot which is actually on the course. The bracing swim is in Ulswater , a short walk from the tents, followed by challenging bike ride, firstly up Kirkstone Pass then over to Shap Fell. The fell run is over some of the quieter parts of the Lakes followed by a fast (if you still got the energy) 3 mile tarmac finish. (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 12.5 mile run)

• Sun City tri  (14th July 2013)  A bracing North Sea swim followed by a three lap bike course and scenic coastal run along Roker and Seaburn. (750m swim, 18k bike, 5k run)

• Sun City duathlon  (30th March 2014)  A great early season warm up event using the bike and run courses off the triathlon. (5k run, 18k bike, 5k run)