Following an injury packed year, Farnham Swimming Club and Surrey and South East Region ASA swimmer Richard Allen competed today in a full field in the Triathlon England National Aquathlon Championships at Roundhay Park & Leeds City Centre in Leeds, Yorkshire. The Aquathlon is a grueling combination of a 750m Open Water swim followed by a full 5,000m off track run and the event is part of the ITU World Triathlon Series 2016.
Richard started well stroking into the lead in the swim, finishing the swim leg in 9 minutes and 12 seconds, a full 25 seconds ahead of the second man to leave the water. After a good transfer Richard started the 5,000m run, powering further ahead with every stride, not challenged he dug deep to push himself to a run time of 17 minutes and 41 seconds, some 50 seconds faster than the next fastest runner of the day. With an overall time of 29 minutes and 21 seconds, an amazing 95 seconds ahead of the second finisher, Richard not only became the National Champion in the under 24-year-old category but also the Men’s overall National Champion.
Martin Edwards, former Team GB Olympic swimmer and Head Coach of Farnham Swimming Club, said ‘It’s a testament to Richard dedication and training ethic that he has been able to recover so well from a year of injury to take not only the Under 24 National title but also the Men’s open title. I see this as yet another great success along Richard’s aquatic pathway and a stepping stone to even greater achievements for him.’
Chairman of Farnham Swimming Club, Chris Lee, commented ‘Richard’s achievements continue to amaze and he is a strong Club member and a great mentor which the younger swimmers look to emulate as they progress through their own aquatic pathways. I am delighted for Richard as this result is the product of his unwavering dedication to his training, diet and race preparation. He is a first rate athlete both in and out of the water and a credit to our Club and to aquatic sports. I would like to thank Farnham Sports Council, David Lloyd Leisure and Waverley Borough Council for their training support for Richard over the last few years which has helped to contribute to his success today. I would also like to thank Surrey County ASA and South East Region ASA for their support in the Club Open Water swimming programme which, following today’s success, has resulted in the Club’s second National Champion in an Open Water aquatic event in just 4 years.’
