Athletes break a sweat at half Holkham triathlon held during heatwave

Athletes from across the country flocked to a north Norfolk estate this weekend to take part in a popular triathlon event.

The Outlaw Half Holkham race, run by OSB events, was held at Holkham Estate on Sunday, July 1.

The competition saw 1,300 athletes take on the 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride and 13.1 mile run around the estate grounds during one of the hottest weekends of the year so far.

The men’s race was won by Sam Proctor, from Dartford, and Rachel Hawker, from Yorkshire, triumphed in the women’s event.

Mr Proctor said: “I’m trying to make the jump to being a professional, so this is a nice confidence boost.

“It’s not been smooth or plain sailing so far, but it’s nice to get this win on my CV.”

And Ms Hawker added: “It was so hard, it’s so hot.

“It ranks really up there. I’m really proud.”

And despite the hot and windy conditions, few succumbed to the weather, with 1,200 athletes completing the event.

Three athletes who have taken part in every Outlaw and Outlaw Half event since the first one in 2010, Gary Goacher, Graham Yare and David Manning-Ohren, will now prepare to double their distances at the Outlaw Triathlon on Sunday, July 29, in Nottingham.

The final finisher, Tryphina Cooper from Luton, danced on the finishing line after nine hours of swimming, cycling and running.

She said: “What an amazing day I had today.

“Well done to everyone that finished.

“All the cars that stopped to give me way, apologies to cause you to queue up waiting for me.

“I really appreciated your clapping me to the final stretch.”

Throughout the weekend, another almost 2,000 people took part in running events and camped on site to create a festival atmosphere at Holkham Estate.

Race director, Adam Moffat, 37, said: “We had a 10k run and a children’s race the day before with just under 1,000 people taking part - so 2,000 competitors in total at the weekend.

“It was a really hot day so lots of water was consumed and we put extra suncream out for them.

“This was the third year at Holkham and the ninth year of Outlaw as a long distance racing brand.

“I grew up in Norwich - its nice to have an event closer to home.”

Outlaw also run a half and a full triathlon event in Nottingham.

Outlaw Half Holkham Triathlon results:

The event consisted of a 1.2 mile swim, a 13.1 mile run, and a 56 mile bike race.

1,200 athletes completed the course.

MEN

1. Sam Proctor,

Elite,

4:13:03

2. Ian Dempsey,

Elite,

4:19:54

3. Joe Banns,

M30-34,

4:24:47

WOMEN:

1. Rachel Hawker,

Elite,

4:53:27

2. Claire Weller,

Elite,

4:53:38

3. Claire Shea-Simonds,

Elite,

4:57:26

RELAY TEAMS:

1. Team Bedford Harriers 1,

4:18:58

2. Team Lincoln Tri,

4:28:21

3. Team 2plus1, Leicester Triathlon Club,

4:34:24