Published: June 14, 2009
Records tumble at 2009 Burnham-On-Sea Triathlon

A record number of 350 athletes took part in Burnham-On-Sea's annual triathlon on Sunday (June 14th), with the perfect weather conditions helping the winner to finish in a record time.

Gary Gerrard, 45, from the Royal Marines team in Devon won the event in a new course record of 57 minutes and 15 seconds, following up his victory at the Burnham Aquathon earlier in the year.

Gary, pictured right with the first woman home, told Burnham-On-Sea.com at the finishing line: "I'm delighted to have won in a new record time - it was a great race today with ideal conditions. The course is superb."

In second place was Iain Hindes, who was also second last year, in a time of 58 minutes and 55 seconds.

First woman home was Celia Miall from West Country Tiathletes in a time of one hour, five minutes and 11 seconds, while local runner Sara Hudghton was second.

The awards were presented by the managers of Burnham Swim & Sports Academy, Mark Cox-Conklin and Sara Cox-Conklin, together with Burnham councillor Neville Jones, who is a strong supporter of the pool.

He told the audience at the prize giving ceremony: "It's fantastic to see the pool so busy and at the centre of this wonderful event today given that 18 months ago its future was in doubt."

Suinday's event started early at 6.15am at the Burnham Swim and Sports Academy and consisted of a 500m swim, followed by a 20km cycle and a 5km beach run.

The bosses of the Burnham Swim & Sports Academy, Mark Cox-Conklin and Sara Cox-Conklin said the event had exceeded their expectations.

Mark told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "It's been a great day and we hope we've produced a race that Burnham can be proud of."

"We made several changes this year, with an earlier start time in the morning that makes the race safer when there are quieter roads and also avoids the hotter part of the day."

"We also moved the transition area, for the swimmers to get onto their bikes, into the pool courtyard and away from the car park of the Manor Gardens. This was also to make it safer and make the pool more of a central focal point."

"We also tried to introduce more of a festival atmosphere this year by introducing music to add some more life and fun to the event."

Click here for 47 more photos from the Burnham-On-Sea Triathlon

Click here for results from the Burnham-On-Sea Triathlon