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TRI-UMPHANT

18 August 2008

Fund’s first triathlon proves to be a big winner

FORGET the heat and humidity of Beijing. These athletes showed true grit by turning out on a wet Sunday to take part in a Tyneside triathlon.
Scores trudged through mud, cycled through puddles and went for a swim to raise money for the Chronicle’s charity, the Sunshine Fund. While our Olympic athletes struggle with the heat in China, the biggest problem in Ponteland was keeping dry and upright.

Hadyn Maughan, 34, a chemist, of Ryton, Gateshead, who won the men’s race, said: “The weather certainly made it difficult to get motivated. “It was hard but enjoyable and it’s good to know I was doing it for a good cause.” More than 100 people turned up and each had to swim 400m, cycle 20km and run 5km and Mr Maughan won the men’s race in a time of 59mins 49secs.

Each year hundreds of people put on their best running shoes for the Chronicle’s Sunshine Run. But this year the charity went a step further by launching its own triathlon for needy youngsters. Christine Heslop, 47, of Ponteland, said: “It’s the first time I’ve ever done a triathlon and it was fine although I didn’t like the run.”

There were 103 individuals taking part as well as six teams of three in the team event. Sue Johnson, 51, of Ponteland, said: “It’s all for a good cause so it’s been a good day, despite the weather.” Lizzie Wraith won the women’s event while the team race was won by the Rutherford family, from Darlington, dad Robin, mum Rose and son Jamie.

Jo Harris, Sunshine Fund manager, said: “The event was a tremendous success. “I’d just like to thank everyone who has helped us organise it and everyone who has taken part.” The idea was the brainchild of Newcastle-based fitness trainer, Gary Nash. He said: “The Sunshine Fund decided to lead the way and make an event that would not only raise funds for a well deserved charity but also give local people an opportunity to try this style of event.”


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