On Sunday 4th July, Belvoir Tri Club descended on Holkham Hall, Norfolk, to race in the annual Outlaw Holkham Half 70.3 triathlon. Set in the grounds of the historic Holkham Estate, it is without doubt one of the UK’s most beautiful triathlon events. The Hall provides an inspiring backdrop to the swim, both transitions, and the run course, while the single loop bike course takes participants through some of the most beautiful countryside and coastal roads Norfolk has to offer.

Two relay teams posted some impressive times, with Rachael Smith (swim), Matt Broad (bike) and Rory Grindey (run) being 10th team home, with an impressive combined time of 5:11:39. Alongside them was Darren Joint (swim/run) and Claudette Joint (bike) who crossed the finish line 5:40:30.

Of the ten solo entrants Chris Pugh came in first, well within the coveted sub-6 hour threshold, with a time of 5:44:39, saying that “Holkham Hall and Norfolk are stunning places to do a triathlon. It’s a really tough, honest course that challenged even the world-class athletes who raced there. What made it even more enjoyable was the support of the club members shouting and screaming your name on every run lap”. Second Belvoir male home was Edward Snowden, 6:49:30, followed by Dan Bland, 7:00:33, and finally Luke Turner, 7:30:15. Unfortunately Marc Tremain had to retire from the race on the bike course due to injury. Marijke De Groot was the first Belvoir lady home, with an impressive 6:00:20. She was followed by Wendi Carrington, 6:10:38, Debbie Carleton, 6:14:47, Roz Grindey, 7:22:56 and Kate Dewar, 7:39:36. Of the race, Roz said “Holkham is a great course but the run is tough. Cramping in my legs meant my chances of a course personal best went out the window, but I’m still very proud – completing this distance is never easy and I’m celebrating regardless of my time!”