New Forest Children's and Youth Triathlon - 23 June 2002

More than 200 children took part in the inaugural New Forest Children's and Youth Triathlon, hosted and marshalled by Totton Running Club. The event was held at Tottonians RFC with the swim stage starting in Totton Recreation Centre.

A large number of New Forest schools were represented with Orchard Junior School entering the largest contingent of 21 children. Romsey and Totton Swimming club encouraged their swimmers to 'try a tri' and had 16 entries with Jonathan Dibben winning the boys age 8 category and Richard Templeman coming second in the boys age 13/14 category. Both swimmers were competing in a triathlon for the first time.

Local junior triathlon club, Chapel Tri Stars provided 17 entries the following children getting amongst the honours:
Howard Johnson - age 8 2nd
Anthony Bonnett - age 9/10 1st
Jessica Atkinson - age 11/12 2nd
Robert Crook - age 11/12 2nd
Leanne Renshaw - age 13/14 2nd
Lucy May - age 15/16 2nd

A full list of the results and photographs of winners from 2002 are available on this website.

Press Release (2002)

Youngsters 'Try a Tri' in new Olympic Sport

Over 170 youngsters between the ages of 8 and 16 will be taking part in a triathlon. The event is being managed from the Tottonians Rugby Clubhouse and will take place in Totton Recreation Centre (swim), and Totton College playing fields (cycle and run). Many local schoolchildren are trying a tri for the first time, in particular a number of Romsey and Totton swimmers. The event is part of the British Triathlon Association Southern Region series and the starts at 9am with age 8 category followed by the older groups during the course of the morning.

The event is being organised locally by Totton Running Club and has been financially supported by grants from Awards for All and Totton Town Council. Organiser, Bruce Elkins said: ' We have a strong field for the event and it should be a good day for competitors and spectators alike. Triathlon is one of the fastest growing sports in the country and it is brilliant to see so many youngsters enjoying themselves. We can accommodate a maximum of 200 entries so there is some space for any children wanting to 'try a tri'.

All competitors will receive a finishers medal and a free goody bag which has been made possible by generous sponsorship from Mack International. A new website has been established for the event and further details can be found at www.nfct.org.uk or telephone Bruce Elkins on 02380666378 or email at belkins@cwfellowes.com

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