In what was an action packed morning in Leeds’ Roundhay Park, over 100 athletes took to a 750m swim and 5km run, with the aim of being crowned Triathlon England National Aquathlon Champion.

One of only a few open water aquathlon races in the country, the Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds hosted the swim-run event alongside races for budding youngsters, beginners and paratriathletes. In true Yorkshire fashion conditions were wet as the athletes took to the one-lap swim, and there was no letting up in the drizzle during the five kilometre undulated run.

With the men the first to take to the water it was last year’s winner Richard Allen who exited first, clocking 9:10 for the 750m, just three seconds ahead of Robbie Lightowler (20-24). Once on two feet it was a different story as Allen put nearly 60 seconds into Lightowler on the run to take the tape in 29:10. Lightowler held on to claim second, in a time of 30:12, with Michael Lewis third some 46 seconds later.

In the women’s race Chloe Pollard showed her prowess in the swim, exiting just one second slower than the eventual men’s winner, Allen. Natasha Sinha was 16 seconds back, and took to the chase as soon as she reached dry land. After a tough 2-lap run it was Sinha who crossed the line first, in a time of 23:18. A mere five seconds later Pollard finished to take second, with Michelle Willcocks finishing third another minute later.

Speaking after the race, Sinha commented: “The run was hard, but I’ve done a lot of hill training recently so I’ve learnt to like the hills.”

“I was hoping to come and do well and have a good swim. I’m working on my run at the moment so I’m glad to see that that’s improved.”

For full results in each of the 5 year age-groups, click here.