It was thrills and spills aplenty, as the final Triathlon England - National Championship race for 2014 took place at a rain-lashed Sherwood Pines Forest Park on Saturday 8 November.

A fitting finale for this year's Triathlon England - National Championship was enjoyed by a growing army of cross duathlon devotees at the picturesque Nottinghamshire beauty spot. Nearly 500 enthusiasts did not let the torrential rain dampen their spirits, as the National Cross Duathlon Champs cut a muddy dash through the 1,200 hectares of woodland and open heath of Sherwood Pine Forest Park.

Two waves tackled the demanding 5km run, 20km bike, 3.4km run course that became more challenging as the weather conditions worsened. This did not deter the athletes out on the course, as some impressive performances and times were posted. 

Smiling mud-strewn faces were the norm come medal ceremony time ,as the wintery downpour seemed to buoy spirits on the final opportunity to win national honours for 2014. James Walker who picked up the Triathlon England title in the 25-29 age-group said: "It was enjoyable out there and nice to win my category and to get get a solid race under my belt." James, like many competing on the day, had entered this event and got involved with cross duathlon from a non-triathlon background.

Craig Thurby who picked up a silver medal in the 40-44 age-group had only become a Triathlon England member a few days before after targeting this event secifically, had come into this form of multi sports from a mountain biking background. A delighted Craig said: "It was enjoyable today - very muddy and lots of spray, but loads of fun." 

Sarah Darch picked up her gold Triathlon England medal in the 35-39 age-group and had travelled from London to race and enjoy the scenery, was not new to cross duathlon after being involved in this growing discipline for a number of years. Sarah, who came in off-road duathlons from a more traditional triathlon background, also commented and bore witness to the muddy conditions, but was pleased with her performance and win.

Mark Barfield, Triathlon England's Director of Operations, who was assisting on medal ceremony duties, summed up the day's racing  perfectly: "It was a pleasure to see so many enthusiastic athletes enjoying the day despite the weather conditions, on what has been a fitting way to end to what has been a tremendous National Championships series for our members."

For full race results, please click here.

For more pics from the day, please check out our Facebook album. 

To book a the date in your race diary for next year and to see if you can become an English champion, please click here for full details of the 2015 Triathlon England - National Championships.