The sunny weather brought out athletes of all abilities to race in the 11th Viridian Daventry Triathlon, in Northamptonshire.
This year’s race entrants ranged from complete novices to those seeking fresh challenges as well as pro’s finishing the annual event, organised by Rugby Triathlon Club.
The 2023 September race saw more than 170 entrants taking part in the sprint distance triathlon encompassing: 400m pool swim at Daventry Leisure Centre, 20km cycle through the rolling Northamptonshire countryside and a 5km run around the scenic Daventry Country Park.
The Viridian Daventry Triathlon is one of the highlights in the regional sporting calendar. The annual race is sponsored by ethical vitamin company Viridian Nutrition and Sheaf Street Health Store, an independent health food retailer, both located in Daventry.
This year also saw the introduction of The Shaun Higgs Heart in the Triathlon Award, which was awarded to Neil Tooby in recognition of his resilience and sheer positivity in his fight against cancer while still training, racing and motivating others.
The award is in memory to former Sheaf Street Health Store owner and fellow Viridian Daventry Triathlon competitor and avid supporter Shaun Higgs, who sadly passed away this year.
Holly Thallon Steenson, NextGen Co-owner at Viridian, also took part in the triathlon.
She said: "Viridian is really excited to support this event for the community as it enables people to show off the hard work they put in. More importantly, the Viridian Daventry Triathlon encourages people from complete novices to professionals to begin making small steps or to continue with their health and fitness journey.
“We’re also delighted to unveil the inaugural Shaun Higgs Heart in the Triathlon Award. Shaun was an avid supporter of the Viridian Daventry Triathlon, and felt that events like these can make a difference to people’s health and wellness, regardless of their ability.
“I would like to say a massive well done to everyone who took part and to the organisors and volunteers in making the triathlon a success.”
Photo caption: The new 2023 Shaun Higgs Heart in the Triathlon Award for 2023.
This year all entrants were given a specially designed organic cotton triathlon T-shirt. All finishers received a new medal unveiled for the 2023 event made from sustainable wood.
Photo caption: A new Viridian Daventry Triathlon finishers medal for 2023.
The triathlon was in support of the Our Jay Foundation charity, which fundraises for public access defibrillators.
Rugby Triathlon Club race director Garry Haynes said: “As a local club, we rely on the support and generosity of local businesses and our club members, so that we can continue to offer a local triathlon at an accessible cost.
"Our ethos centres on promoting triathlon and activity for all, and Viridian’s support is a great example of businesses and sports clubs working together to promote health and fitness in the community. This year’s race is especially poignant for us, because of our first celebration of the amazing Shaun Higgs and his passionate support for the race and all things triathlon.”
For more about the event, visit: Viridian Daventry Triathlon FB page.
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