More than 1,000 compete in Sefton Triathlon

Jul 1 2009 By Mark Johnson

Sefton Triathlon

PARALYMPIC tennis ace Jamie Burdekin applauded the 1,100 competitors in this year’s Formby Cycles Sefton Triathlon organised by St Mary’s College.

A bumper crowd of 5,000 people turned out to cheer on the children and adults that stepped up to the challenge of the 150m swim, 5k bike ride and 2.5k run along the coastline near Crosby Leisure Centre.

Jamie Burdekin, said: "I think that everyone who has taken time out to raise a lot of money for local charities have done themselves proud. The children and adults have both been fantastic competitors.

"It's a great honour for me to be asked to support the event. It’s brilliant to be here and to I’m happy that I can give the medals out to the kids."

Participants enjoyed ideal conditions for the largest community triathlon in the world.

They came from as far as Australia to take part, no less than Jim Costello who had not only travelled the furthest but he was also the race’s oldest contestant at 79.

Jim as oldest competitor won a week’s holiday at a hotel in Heswall. He said: "I enjoyed it a lot. I ran with my Lancashire Fusiliers beret on because that’s what I was in before I went to live in Australia at 29."

Some of the charities to benefit from the £40,000 raised include British Heart Foundation, Macmillan Cancer Support , Cash for Kids and Leukaemia Research.

Claire House hospice was the main beneficiary. Helen Carlson, Claire House area fundraiser said: "We receive money from the organisers and also get sponsorship from people who take part for Claire House. It’s fantastic for us and I’d like to thank everyone for all the support, especially the organisers.

"We have 500 families that benefit from the charity at the moment so the money will go onto to help them."