On Sunday 17th June 2018, Sundried hosted the second annual Southend Triathlon. Open to 600 competitors, this sprint triathlon consisted of a 750m open water swim in the Thames Estuary, a 20km flat lapped bike course along the seafront road which was closed to traffic, and a 5k run around the local park used for Parkrun.

32% of the athletes were female, which is a great result in this stereotypically male-dominated sport. 240 of the athletes had never completed a triathlon before while another 240 were experienced or professional triathletes. We were happy to advertise this event as being perfect for novices and experienced triathletes alike with its searingly fast and uninterrupted bike course and spectator-friendly swim and run. 

We also enjoyed a fantastic turn-out from triathlon clubs, both local and further afield. The largest club presence was from local triathlon club JBR Run & Tri who had 42 triathletes representing them. The second largest was from the East London Triathletes and there was also a big presence from East Essex Triathlon club.

The overall winner of the race was local boy and Sundried ambassador Matt Leeman. Matt recently turned pro and has been enjoyed a fantastic start to his professional triathlon career. Our fastest lady was professional triathlete and Ironman champion Alice Hector. Alice is also a Sundried ambassador and is a fantastic role model for female athletes.

Southend Triathlon 2018 saw triathletes of all shapes and sizes, all ages, and some with all the gear and expensive triathlon bikes but equally plenty on a mountain bike in their gym gear just out having a great day, and that is truly the heart of our event: making sport accessible for all.

Testimonials

Chris Hargraves: "Thanks for the event. My first tri & really enjoyed it."

Mark Whitney: Thanks for a great day and all your efforts."

Linsey McCarthy: "Thank you for a great event. My first tri & absolutely loved it."

Clive Trevelian Cheese: "Great day well organised."

Dave Jacobs: "Thank you for a great day hope to see you again next year."

Claire Joyce: "Great effort! Well done to the organisers and all the marshals."

Sally Smith: "Absolutely loved it and definitely will be back next year."

Richard Whan: "My first Tri. Event was very well organised. Marshalls/officials were very supportive throughout. Crowds were encouraging too. Loved the whole experience. Thank you Southend Tri!"

Dan Robinson: "A great day, very well organised and run, especially with the water the way it was, thank you all at Southend triathlon."

Victoria Smillie: "Thoroughly enjoyed, even the sea swim! Great organisation, volunteers and supporters!"

Jo Fenn: "Thanks to organisers, volunteers and loads of supporters. I had a great day."

David Lloyd Clubs: "Thanks for having us Southend Triathlon. We had a great day cheering all the athletes on and ‘sending them Home’ to the final run. From the first chap to the last couple you smashed it well done!"

Russell Larthe: "Great effort from all involved at the Southend triathlon... great event, glad to be part of it."

Matt Bicks: "Southend Triathlon was brilliant. The crowd and stewards were so good cheering everyone from the first to the last competitor Well done everyone!"