2019 RACE REPORT

On Sunday 16 June, over 2,500 triathletes descended on Windsor as part of the 29th edition of the Royal Windsor Triathlon. An iconic event that attracts sporting legends from a variety of disciplines take on the royal route.

Participants headed to the water bright and early before taking on the swim in the River Thames, followed by a new bike course for 2019, looping the surrounding Berkshire countryside. The Sprint (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run) and Olympic (1,500m swim, 40km bike, 10km run) distances both finished with the iconic run route on royal grounds, taking them through the shadows of Windsor Castle before leading the athletes out onto the spectacular Long Walk.

Royal Windsor Triathlon is popular with spectators due to the unique opportunity of watching friends and family compete on royal grounds. Upon crossing the finish line, all triathletes received a bespoke medal featuring Windsor Castle encased in a crown to pay homage to the royal route.

The action-packed morning included some fantastic performances from both elites and newcomers alike. The first waves of the day were the Sprint events, including the Macmillan First Timers. Over 150 took part in the Royal Windsor Triathlon to raise vital funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, the Official Charity of Royal Windsor Triathlon. Their incredible efforts have smashed their fundraising target of £70,000.

The Sprint distance was the first event of the day. This event is popular with first timers as the shorter distance provides an introduction into triathlon.  Kai Furnell-Brennan was first over the line for the men in a time of 01:07:44, and Bethan Perera for the women completed the distance in 01:18.48.

Kickstarting the Olympic distance wave is the Windsor Classic Sub 2hr30. This wave provides the challenge of completing an Olympic distance in less than 2 hours 30 minutes, giving participants the chance to race alongside elites and top club athletes in a competitive non-drafting wave. Emma Pallant raced to her fourth consecutive victory for the women in a time of 02:07:41, followed by Emily McLoughlin (02:15:22) and Beth Warne (02:22:04). Thomas Davis claimed the men’s title in a time of 01:54:59, with Ed Beecher (01:59:54) and Sam Proctor (02:01:58) following behind.

In the Olympic distance, the event was won by Zachary Pywell (02:07:03) as the fastest male, and Stephen Mott (02:11:09) and Grant Paling (02:12:23) taking second and third place. For the women, Anel Meyer took first place (02:25:08) and was shortly followed by Catherine Vooght (02:25:43) and Mireille Cook (02:26:37).

Presented by the lady herself, the Jasmine Flatters Club Championship trophies were awarded to the triathlon clubs with the fastest average time with Evo Triathlon taking the fastest women’s time, and Thames Turbo taking the men’s victory.

The event was supported by a wide range of partners, including Official Sports Nutrition Partner Optimum Nutrition who were on hand to provide Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein shakes to all the triathletes and held guided stretches and recovery, led by Mind and Body Coach, Kim Ingleby. Triathletes were also delighted to receive a refreshing glass of ERDINGER Alkoholfrei, the perfect post-ride isotonic thirst quencher – pure liquid gold, and were wowed by the Wiggle Wheel of Fortune and Vitus bike display, among other exciting activities.

“Now in its 29th year, the Royal Windsor Triathlon is such an iconic event,” says Nick Rusling, CEO Human Race. “From first timers right up the Elites, participants and spectators alike will cheer one another on along the royal route making it a truly remarkable date in the triathlon calendar.”

Sprint winners:

Men

  1. Kai Furnell-Brennan (01:07:44)
  2. Wayne Thursting (01:08:47)
  3. Chris Symonds (01:09:59)

Women

  1. Bethan Perera (01:18:48)
  2. Jane Dawson (01:18:56)
  3. Gemma Hathaway (01:19:22)