GO TRI returned to Cross Flatts Park in Beeston for a fourth time on Sunday (24 November 2019) for a festive South Leeds Mince Pie Duathlon. Organised by Active Leeds with support from the South Leeds Lakers and Morley Triathlon Club, the event continues to provide people with the opportunity to give a new sport a try.
A stroke of luck allowed the event to take advantage of a break in the recent wet weather with participants able to enjoy mild conditions for what was for many, their first experience in multi-sport activity. 30 people came to the park to take on the challenge, competing in either the open race or the Leeds Girls Can female-only race. The duathlon format requiring participants to complete a run, followed by a cycle and then a final run before being able to enjoy some well-earned mince pies at the finish!
With the café open to provide spectators with warm drinks and breakfast, the race brief was held to give those taking part an overview of the course and the chance to ask any final questions. With warm-ups carried out, racing got underway. The run sections all taking place at the flatter, top end of the park with the cycle making use of the bottom end of the park. A nice long descent on the bike towards Dewsbury Road was a highlight for many but the ascent back towards the Watsonion Pavillion wasn’t greeted with as much cheer!
The open race was won by Neil, setting an impressive time with Stephanie hot on his heels. Anya took the crown in the Leeds Girls Can race. The most positive thing was to see everyone finishing with a smile on their face. Well, once they had got their breath back anyway! Along with the mince pies, participants were rewarded with their very own GO TRI t-shirt. Many people took the opportunity to show these off in a post-race photo at the finish line.
The duathlon took place after a very well attended junior parkrun. With busy playgrounds and many dog walkers also using the space, Cross Flatts Park is an excellent place in the community to be physically active in. GO TRI will be returning in 2020.
This post was written by Richard Sadler
Photo: Paul Whitehurst
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