The Grand Finale of intoTRI’s Cornish Tri Series saw 300 adults and 140 children swim – bike – run at Falmouth Triathlon, The Seal on Sunday September 26.

Entries for the adult events had sold out well in advance and athletes were greeted by a glorious sunrise over Gylly Beach for the swim start of the Sprint (600m swim – 20k bike – 5k run) and Super Sprint (300m swim – 10k bike – 2.5k run) distance races. Australian exits on the swim course, where swimmers exit the water for a short run between swim loops, created a buzzing atmosphere, with spectators lining the course and approach to the transition zone.

The speedy, multi-loop bike and run course on partially closed roads from Gylly beach to Pendennis Point came alive, as athletes were cheered on by their support crews and spectators, edged on by the clamour of cowbells and whistles. Michael Birchmore from Giant Helston took the win in the Sprint competition in an time of 1:08:02, with Helen Newton dominating the women’s competition in 1:20:06.

Rob Shaffer and Georgina Clarke from Bodmin Dragons headed the field in the Super Sprint event, with the pair also taking the overall win for the Cornish Tri Series, comprising of five events across Cornwall. All winners awaited prizes sponsored by St Michael’s Resort, with three Hydrothermal Experiences going a long way to relieve those tired muscles post event.

In the afternoon, the fast and furious Scootathlon (scoot-bike-run) for five to eight olds whipped up the crowds as the youngest participants got their first taste of triathlon and a well deserved medal at the finish line. Instructors from St Michael’s Resort kicked of a string of Mini Triathlon events for age groups from 8-16y with a fast paced warm-up routine on the beach. South-easterly winds had created a sizeable swell, which made for a tough sea swim for all competitors, expertly marshalled by Gylly Surf Life Saving Club and Coast Medic . Parents and spectators lined the multi-loop bike course on closed roads and the run through the beautiful Queen Mary Gardens to the finish on Gylly Beach.

The organiser, intoTRI, thanked the work of over 100 volunteers who made the event possible and created a fun and professional atmosphere all around the course. Marshals supporting the event raised well over £1,000 in donations for their clubs or received free future race entries for themselves, friends or family members.

The full list of race results can be found here.

The full gallery of photos is available at the intoTRI Facebook page.