Lucky 13th Hampstead Heath Duathlon for Patricia and Andrew

Published: September 8, 2011
by STEVE BARNETT

DETERMINED athletes faced up to the ultimate lung-busting challenge for charity on Sunday when they took part in the 13th annual Hampstead Heath Duathlon.

Competitors tested their swimming and running in a gruelling course that incorporating all three swimming ponds and the Parliament Hill Lido.

Showing tremendous stamina Andrew Young from the Camden Swiss Cottage Swimming Club Kiwi team won the men’s section, while Hampstead Heath lifeguard Patricia Richardson won in the women’s event. Both winners were presented with the coveted Duathlon Cup.

Organised by the City of London Corporation, the competition raised over £100 for Water Aid.

The action got underway at the lido at 9.30am, where solo competitors and team members each swam lengths of the pool covering 180m.

They then ran 800m to the men’s pond and swam a complete 360m circuit before running 600m to the ladies’ pond to complete a 220m circuit. They finished off by covering 1.5km to reach the mixed pond for a final energy-sapping 120m lap before sprinting back to the finishing line at the athletics track.

Leisure Manager at Hampstead Heath Paul Maskell, said: “The Hampstead Heath Duathlon is a unique race unlike any other in the world.

“The participants, spectators and staff always have a great day and I’m delighted we’ve been able to raise money for Water Aid.”