TRI-STARS TACKLE HORWICH KONA

Written up by Triathlon Captain, Mike Caine.

Burnden Roadrunners (Burnden Tri) had one the biggest club representations in the Horwich Triathlon this year, with 12 members taking part.

Horwich Triathlon is known as ‘The Race To The Pike’ and the ‘Kona of the North” and is one of the oldest triathlon events in the North West, dating back over 25 years.

The Standard Distance race starts with a 500m pool swim and then a 40k undulating cycle ride through Belmont, Chorley and Horwich. The 8.6k run climbs all the way to the summit of Rivington Pike, before descending back to the finish at Horwich Leisure Centre.

The Sprint Distance race starts with a 400m pool swim followed by a 20k undulating bike route taking in the tough Sheephouse Lane climb. The final 5k run follows the Standard Distance route but the Sprint Distance triathletes are saved from the pain of summiting Rivington Pike and turn around a little earlier to complete the final sprint downhill back to the finish at Horwich Leisure Centre.

New for 2025 was a Duathlon and Aquathon option (skipping out either the swim or bike), which has made the event even more inclusive.

Results

Standard Distance Triathlon (164 competitors)

Gareth Doherty came in 1st with a time of 2:26:10 and was 4th in his age category and shaved 20 minutes off his 2022 time. Close on his tail was Andy Horrocks with a time of 2:26:23 which was only 7 days after his sub 3 hour performance at the Manchester Marathon. 3rd Place went to Lyall Mew 2:31:57. A mention must go to 4th place Stephen Horsman who had the misfortune to have a puncture but still came in at 2:37:22.

Other results:

Martin Cullen 2:44:10

Tim Taylor 2:45:02

Keith Thomas 2:48:45

Marie Parkinson 3:07:58 (1st and only Female)

Ged Turner 3:33:14

Steve Holt 3:39:14

Sprint Distance Triathlon (28 Competitors)

Andy Crawford took part in his 1st Triathlon and nailed a very impressive debut time of 1:43:58 and came 5th

Sprint Aquathon (2 Competitors)

Last but definitely not least was Lisa Berry who came in with a time of 0:53:13. Well done!!