Well done to all those who took part in the first race of the Aquathlon series this year! Despite the poor weather leading up to the event, 27 brave competitors stepped forward and took part, including a number of people taking part in their first multi-discipline event. 13-year old Sophie Alden took an early lead in the swim and led the field into transition, closely followed by Mark Nowell and Tony Robinson. Sophie exited onto the run in a time of 6:39 building up a 20 second lead over Mark Nowell and almost a minute over Tony Robinson Tony set off at a blistering pace passing both Mark and Sophie on the first lap and then holding on to the finish in first place. On the second lap of the run Mark gradually reeled-in Sophie to finish in second place, maintaining his fantastic past record in these events. Sophie finished in third place and was the first female home. Iain Milligan finished forth overall and third place male with a consistent swim and run. For the women, Becky Schofield finished as the second woman despite taking a wrong turn on the run, and Kate Scotter put in a fast run time to finish as the third woman and eighth overall. The next race in the series is Thursday 31st May 2012.

On 17th June 2012 Active Outdoor Sport will be hosting the Fritton Lake Triathlon Festival Weekend for the 6th year running.  The weekend is made up of three varying distance triathlons, including the olympic distance.

This year Active Outdoor Sport is supporting Norwich-based mum and keen swimmer Jenny Mayne, to help fund raise for the Hamlet Centre Trust in Norwich.  The Trust provides vital services for children and young people with disabilities in Norfolk.  Active Outdoor Sport has provided Jenny’s family of four with free entry to the event, and will be making a contribution to their fundraising efforts.  For many Years Rory, son of Jenny and Monty, has been attending The Hamlet Centre Trust for help and support for his Autism. This is not only a fantastic opportunity for Rory to raise funds and give something back to The Hamlet Centre Trust who have supported him so well, but also a huge achievement for Rory and his entire family

In order to raise funds, Rory and his enthusiastic family will be taking part in the olympic distance triathlon.  To complete this challenge, Rory’s 16-year old sister Ellie will complete the 1500m open water swim in Fritton Lake, Rory and Jenny will take up the challenge of riding the 40km bike ride in tandem, whilst Rory’s dad Monty will finish the event by completing the 10km run.

If you wish to make a donation to this very worthwhile local cause, donations can be made via their fundraising page which can be found here and you can also donate on-the-day at the event!

A Message From Mum And Dad: Jenny and Monty

Every day we are proud of Rory and what he has achieved despite his disabilities.  We are fortunate to have had great support over the years from family and friends, and special people individuals at various playgroups and at outstanding schools – it has made a great difference.

Some of you who know us may remember that, back in 2003 (when Rory was “little”), Uncle Bill and Auntie Marg and chums Mark, Caroline and Vicky completed the London triathlon to raise funding for the fantastic intervention programme we were running for Rory at that time.  We watched as a family and were inspired by their determination and generosity.  At that stage it was hard to imagine what Rory would be able to achieve.  He surprises us all the time and we are so proud of him.  It seems fitting that we can now “celebrate” as a family by taking part in a triathlon ourselves and hopefully raising a load of cash for the great work of the Hamlet Centre.

Between 10th May and 23rd August 2012, a series of five aquathlon events will be held at the Fritton Lake Open Water Swim Centre.  On each of the five dates listed below, we will not be operating the regular Thursday evening open water swimming sessions.  But why not come along anyway and give one of these events a go?

Race Dates 2012: 10th May, 31st May, 28th June, 26th July, 23rd August (5 in total)

If you have never taken part in one of our popular aquathlon events, they consist of a 400m open water swim followed by a 3.2k run around marked trail paths.  They are sure to get your lungs working and your heart racing and for just £10.00!  You can either pre-enter at our website, or turn up between 17:00 and 18:00 at the Active Outdoor Sport Outdoor Swim Centre to register.  The action will kick off at 18:30.  The Swim Centre has complete change and shower facilities, not to forget a warm cabin with hot refreshments to relax and unwind after your race.

Each race will earn you points for the series with your best three races contributing to your overall score. each week you can see your progress as finish line results will be ready to view minutes after the last runner has returned. If your looking for a great way to keep fit, train for a future race or just to decrease your transition times; come down and take part in this fantastic series.

10th May 2012

Race Report: Aquathlon Series Race 1

The off-road course was a single lap around the Somerleyton estate, taking runners through woodland and along country pathways as well as past the front of the Hall itself.  The tough course and wet conditions meant that PB’s were going to be hard to achieve, but despite this the course was described by many runners as the best off-road course they had ever run.

The first three runners to return were well spaced out, with Ricky Peacher pulling away from Jon Davies at the 10 mile mark to finish first in an impressive time of 1:23:09.  Jon Davies held on to 2nd place with a time of 1:25:36 and James Taylor came in third in a time of 1:27:28  First lady to finish was Clare Vinsen in a time of 1:33:50, with Francesca Upton coming in second in a time of 1:37:00, and Kim Reader finishing third in a time of 1:42:12.

Hugh Crossley managed a very credible 14th place finish in a time of 1:34:01  At the finish line the free bacon sandwiches provided by the Fritton House hotel were a welcome treat, as were the sports massages provided by BWell gym of Great Yarmouth.

Active Outdoor Sport would like to thank all those who took part for making the event such a success, and to the Great Yarmouth ATC and Gorleston St.John Ambulance for their support.

Each week there will be 3 swim courses of 200m, 400m and 750m marked out by highly visible inflatable buoys.You have complete flexibility for how you use your time – you can do your own session or follow a session plan written by our coaches, you can even break down your swim time with periods of rest by the side of the lake.

Do I have to swim with someone?

You can swim on your own or as part of a small group.

Will there be coaches available?

Yes, our coaches are on hand both on and off the water to guide you through your session plan and provide instruction on techniques and practices specific to open water swimming.

Can I shower after my swim?

Yes, there are male and female changing facilities with hot showers. There are also hot and cold drinks and snacks available in the Swim Centre reception.

Do I have to wear a wetsuit?

Non-wetsuit swimming will be allowed when the water temperature reaches 14oC. When the water temperature is below 14oC wetsuits will be required and swim time may be restricted for your safety. No swimming will take place at temperatures below 11oC.

Is there parking available at the Swim Centre?

Yes, free parking is ample at Fritton Lake. Please follow signs to the Active Outdoor Swim Centre. There is also adequate space to lock your bike.

Here you can view the temperature of Fritton lake on days where the Open Water Swim Center is open. Although the temperature will be updated every session, the temperature is subject to change throughout the session and it cannot be guaranteed the temperature will be exactly the same as advertised on arrival.

You can also find us on twitter @active_outdoor