16 brave triathletes attended Newby Wiske HQ on a cold and frosty foggy Sunday morning to participate in the 2nd 'Swim and Stagger' duathlon. It was nice to see many triathletes return for the second year, obviously enjoyed it last year but it was also nice to see a few new faces and a new age category. Rosie Clay who is 10 years old joined in and did very well, well done Rosie.

Mark and I decided that last year the results were too close to their estimated times, so we decided to make it harder!!!

The day started around 8.45am for the brief by the pool. The swim section was the same as last year, the first competitor started at 9.00am and then each wave started every five minutes after that. The only change we made with regards to the swim section was that the triathletes were not allowed to see their swim times. All went well and the swimming was finished by about 9.45am

Just as the run was about to start the Chief, David Kenworthy, his wife Clair and their dog arrived.

At 10.00am the triathletes gathered together outside and then run started. Mustn't forget Ian Spittals dog, he came along to assist Mark Rees round the course.

Two miles into the run the triathletes were met by the Clay family who were waiting at the first drink station. There they had to drink either a pint of cider, beer, lager, coke or lemonade. Once they had managed to down the freezing cold drink they continued on their way.

At the gates to HQ the triathletes then met their second drink station where Lisa Stoneman-Roberts handed out either two dry crackers or a dry mincepie. They were made to eat these before receiving their last pint of one of the above from Simon Hill and Sandra Appleton. Finally once they had drunk that they were made to stagger the last 100yds up the drive to the finishing line where Julie Whitehouse and Jill Gathercole noted their times.

Unfortunately due to the freezing cold foggy weather, the timekeepers were unable to watch the triathletes at the last station and had to wait until they submerged from the fog just before the finishing line.

First past the post was Ian Wallace with his 'Cruella Deville' hairstyle. The new trendy hairstyle was popular because most triathletes returned with the same style, dark hair containing icicles.

All triathletes completed the course one way or another, fit and well, o'h apart from Raffi who made some unwell noises when he disappeared behind a tree.

Reesy's assistant (the dog) also managed to complete the course and finish before Reesy who stated that his time was slow because of the dog!!

Little Rosie finished in a very good time and was not the last, she was followed by Angie Went and Mark Whitehouse. Whitehouse stated on completing the last 100yds Angie had been very entertaining with some incredibly loud noises that she made after her last drink.

At about 11.15am everyone gathered in the gym for the prizes and food.

With the help from Mr Kenworthy the following prizes were given out to the following.

1ST PLACE (NEAREST OVERALL EST TIME) 14 SECS - SARAH PRIESTLEY (NUTRITION PACK)

2ND PLACE (NEAREST OVERALL EST TIME) 36 SECS - IAN WALLACE (RUNNING HAT & GLOVE

1ST PLACE (NEAREST SWIMMING EST TIME) 2 SECS - RAFFI AGHANIAN (BOTTLE BELT)

1ST PLACE )NEAREST RUNNING EST TIME) 41 SECS - NIC RICHES (RUNNING BOT & FLO WR

WORSE ESTIMATED TIME 14 MINS 43 SECS - ANGIE WENT (T SHIRT)

In total £63.53 was raised for charity. £30's went to Kent Constabulary for the officer who recently lost his life whilst on duty. A box of 'miniature heroes' were bought for Rosie on completing the course so well. The rest will go towards a local charity.

I would like to thank all triathletes for coming along and taking part, I hope you all enjoyed it.

To Mark Whitehouse for his help organising the event.

To Mr and Mrs Kenworthy for attending and presenting the prizes.

To friends and family for supporting the event and competitors. And a big thank you to all volunteers who helped run the event on the day and/ or provided food. I could not have done it without your help.

Catherine Baty