10 June 2018:   On Sunday, 3 June over 200 participants lined up to take part in the fifth Montrose triathlon in what was described as perfect weather conditions.  The event was hailed another success and event organisers Tri Angus Ltd are looking ahead to their new event in Forfar on the 22^nd July.

 

 

The Montrose event, which is now in its fifth year, saw participants swim at Montrose Sports Centre, before biking out via Usan and Ferryden, and then running round the beachfront.  Participants were either taking part in the novice distance which involved a 400m swim, 12km bike and 5km run, or the slightly longer sprint distance (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run).

The 2018 event received a huge amount of support from the local community and businesses.  Over 70 volunteers registered to help on the day, a much needed army to keep all the participants safe and heading in the right direction.  An army marches on its stomach and the organisers were very grateful to Scotmid for providing lunch for all the volunteers.  The event was also sponsored by Agrii, Arbikie Highland Estates, Angus Bike Chain, Blooming Bee’s, Carnoustie Creative, Guthrie Bros (who provided a fleet of vehicles to support the event), HPV Coaching and Cycling, McCain, Park and Links Hotels and the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Montrose Basin Centre.

 

In the novice distance it was 16 year old Ishbel Stuart (16, Arbroath, Montrose Triathlon Club) who stunned everyone by winning the ladies event on her triathlon debut.  Elaine Banks (46, Montrose) finished behind her in second place with Dundee’s Kathryn Ho (30, Dundee, Monifieth Triathlon Club) finishing in third place.  In the men’s event Colin Ritchie (28, Fourdon) took top honours, however it was 15 year old Gavin Johansen’s (15, Montrose) second place finish that caught everyone’s attention.  Both Colin and Gavin were taking part in their first triathlons.  Brechin’s Michael Kerr (34, Brechin, Montrose Triathlon Club) took third place.

 

The sprint distance was a highly contested event with a number of experienced athletes taking part.  The ladies event was won by Dundee’s Michelle Mackay (27, Dundee, Monifieth Triathlon Club), with Coralie Arthur (23, Tarland) in second place and Debbie Barnett (35, Aberdeen) in third place.  In the men’s event Monifieth Triathlon Club dominated the podium with Mark Mcintosh (41, St Andrews, Monifieth Triathlon Club) taking the top spot, followed by club-mate Lionel Dupuy (41, Dundee, Monifieth Triathlon Club).  2017’s second place finisher Cathal Reilly (31, Glasgow, Fusion Triathlon Club) this time finished in third place.

 

Event Organiser Maggie Lawrie commented “It has been a fantastic event and after all the hard work of organising everything it was great to see everyone really enjoying themselves and feeling proud of their achievements on the finish line.

 

“Well done to everyone who took part.  I would also like to say a huge thank you also to all our volunteers who helped out both on Saturday and Sunday, and to our event sponsors. Without the support of the local community this event simply would not be possible.

“This year the event partnered with local charity Tayside Mountain Rescue and I hope we have raised a significant amount to support the lifesaving services they provide.  The Tayside Mountain Rescue Team provided first aid cover for all our participants and volunteers on race day however I am grateful no one needed to test their skills!”