This year we will be hosting the 20th Sprint event and the 25th Short Course, our events; distances and venues have changed dramatically over the years and have had many organisers. Richard Hartfield has kindly cast his memory far back and written us a brief history of Cleveland's Triathlons.
In 1985 there were very few triathlons in the north. In order to promote the sport Dick Hatfield organized an event based at Acklam Sports Center. It was named the Cleveland Short Course,1/2 mile swim, 23 mile cycle, and 6 mile run. This first event was run on 6th October 1985. Entry fee was £3 which included a snack, medal and prizes presented by BTA national Champion Mike Harris, a member of Tyne Tri Club. 82 competitors took part and the event was won by John Willis from Tyne area in 1 Hour 56m 58s.Other competitors included Duncan Robb & Peter Coulson who became top officials in the BTA.
The following year 1986 Cleveland Tri Club introduced two more events, the Cleveland Long Course based at Ruswarp near Whitby and the Cleveland Relays at Acklam Sports Center.
In 1990 the Cleveland Mini Tri Replaced the short course at Acklam Sports Center. Kath Blakey organized the 1991 Mini and 18 years later she is still doing a great job.
The short course moved and changed to an open water swim, firstly at Bishopton and then at Ellerton lake.
The long course also moved from Ruswarp to become the Cleveland Steel Man (1/2 Iron Man Distance). A few characters from those very early days are still around and are the backbone of the club, namely Kath Blakey (Treasurer) Sandra Main (Secretary) and Tony Main (Head Coach & Referee). Over the years many people have run our events, Leon Kirton, Dave Swallwell, Ronnie Fletcher, Erika Enisz, Jen Milson, Jonathan Skidmore, Amanda Went and of course the above mentioned Dick, Kath & Sandra.
This year we celebrate 25 years of organising Triathlons in the Cleveland area and welcome old and new fiends to our all our events.
By Richard Hatfield, Club President
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