The 6th Annual St. James's Place Foundation Triathlon in aid of Hope and Homes for Children was marked by a record breaker. Crossing the finish line first was Tom Hinchliffe from Harpenden, Hertfordshire. Tom completed the 400m swim, 20Km cycle and 5Km run in a time of 55 minutes and 31 seconds, breaking the record for the fastest ever time in the triathlon’s six year history.

The triathlon is held evey year in St Albans, Hertfordshire, and is open to everyone – from triathlon novices to veterans. This year's competitors came from as far as North Wales and Edinburgh, and one man even decided to dress up in a gorilla suit!

In total, the day raised over £150,000 and our event organiser Mike Partridge said, “The triathlon was a really great day and it was humbling to see just how much training, hard work and dedication all the competitors put in. It is an incredible achievement for 149 people to have raised £150,000 in sponsorship and this will have a huge impact on the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children in Central and Eastern Europe and Africa.”

The event owes its success to the local support of Cannons Health Club who allow us to use their facilities for free. Our Hertfordshire Support Group, which is made up of local volunteers, was also heavily involved in organising the event and recruiting the 60 volunteer marshals needed to make the day such a triumph.

To date over 850 people have taken part in the St. James’s Place Foundation Triathlon, since it began six years ago, and a staggering £850,000 has been raised for Hope and Homes for Children. The 2009 triathlon will be held on Sunday 4 October and it’s hoped that next year the triathlon will smash the £1 million total target.

To see all the action from the day check out the triathlon photo gallery. Or, why not take part in your own fundraising event.

September 2008

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