Rutland Running and Triathlon Club round-up
Long standing Rutland Running and Triathlon Club member Julia Mannering has taken the next step on a memorable journey after securing qualification for the European Championships.
Mannering will compete for Great Britain in the 2024 event after an impressive string of results.
Her selection is the culmination of past efforts in two previous Team GB qualifiers including the Barry Island sprint triathlon which she won.
Mannering recently travelled northwards to take part in the Woodhorn Museum Sprint Triathlon in Northumberland.
In tough and greasy conditions, she won her age group in 1:58:37 to secure her qualification after only starting out in 2014 when she couldn't even swim.
Her achievement caps an impressive set of recent results for the Rutland club following the exploits of Helen Duncan and Saya Harvey who travelled to Cornwall to take part in the 'Rat Race Challenge - Man versus Coast'.
This goes from Marazion to Lands End and is renowned for its challenging terrain with 25 miles of steep hills and sea wading.
Saya's first place of 4:42:40 was a stunning achievement and no less impressive was Helen who finished fifth despite a few stumbles in a national field of 622 athletes.
An individual performance very much worthy of mention also goes to club member Michael Johnson.
He travelled down to the founding location of the Parkrun at Bushy Park for a special over 80's event.
For some the taking part would have been a sufficient result, not in this case, he won his 80-84 age group in an astounding 25:54, a time many half his age would rightfully be proud of.
Thirteen members of the club also took part in the annual Whissendine 6 race which is always a well attended event.
Mark Edmondson-Jones was the first placed club member in 37:11 (10th overall), very closely followed by Helen Pape in 38:52 which gave her a exceptional podium finish (third lady overall).
Again closely behind was Emma Brown in 40:43, another excellent performance for which she was first in her age group.
All who entered deserve a lot of credit to finish on what was an extremely warm evening.
