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Culdrose athletes compete in airfield triathlon
8 August 2016
Athletes from the Fleet Air Arm gathered to compete at the second running of the Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose Triathlon.
Organised by the Air Station’s Physical Training department, the event, held to encourage people of all standards to compete, served as a showcase for all who are interested in taking up the gruelling sport.
Open not only service personnel who work on the base, a number of civilians also took up the challenge.
“We were surprised at the standard of some of the competitors,” said Leading Physical Trainer (LPT) Dean ‘Deano’ Goulding. “Today has been perfect for triathlon, not too warm, a slight breeze to keep people cool and importantly for everyone no rain.”
Taking full advantage of the station’s once-a-term ‘Flight Safety stand-down’ the course was set around the airfield and across its runways, which were silent for the day and became the perfect setting as a ‘Triathlon Track’.
Most people found it a real novelty to run along the runways, which are normally completely out of bounds
Starting with a 300-metre swim in Culdrose’s swimming pool the competitors took full advantage of a warm afternoon before heading out onto their first transition in the gym car park followed by the seven-mile cycle route.
The final transition back at the gym saw the contestants swap cycle power for leg power as they set off on a final three miles loop of runway 07 – 25.
“Most people found it a real novelty to run along the runways, which are normally completely out of bounds,” continued ‘Deano’.
The final placing’s were sorted between three categories; Men under 35, Men over 35 and Women.
Lieutenant Richard Thorpe, a seasoned Royal Navy tri-athlete helped out in an official capacity at the event, alongside LPT Goulding and the PTI Staff.
He was impressed with the turnout and a competitive edge the event had.
He said, “It’s mainly aimed at novices and we are hoping that a number of those trying it out for the first time will get the bug and look to continue.
"Everyone who entered finished and seems to be smiling. We hope to run another one next spring on a similar day like today.”