The
Cardiomyopathy
Association

Eleven athletes swam, cycled and ran for the CMA at the weekend in the London Triathlon.

The triathletes, including John Kinnaird who has dilated cardiomyopathy, expect to raise several thousand pounds for the charity.

John, who is pictured with family members, had taken part in triathletes as a young man and did the London event last year before he was ill.

He said: “After I became ill around Christmas time, it was my goal to do it again.” 

He completed the Olympic course in 4hrs 7mins compared to 3hrs 40 mins last year.  He said: “I  took a lot of time between the change overs – 27 mins  – and I took it easy during the run, especially in the last section when I gave some support to an athlete with leukaemia.  It was a good day and I’m really pleased I did it.”

Anna Hindle, who was very chuffed to finish in under 3hrs and Tina Belsom, a novice who did the shorter sprint distance, said she struggled with the horrendous weather she faced during her cycle (pictured) but finished in under 90 minutes. 

Other competitors included work colleagues James Wilkes and Ben Gilks.

Ben, doing his first triathlon, finished in 3hrs 26 mins and James Wilkes, taking part in his second,   2hrs 41 mins.  Ben said: “It was brilliant.  James is well into it and wants to do it competitively now. “

Tim Dale, another novice and pictured with his medal,  finished in the same time as James. Tim said: “I enjoyed it.  But at times going round I did think one was enough but now I may do more to keep fit.”

Patrick Davis’s time was hit by three punctures. He said: “I might have to do it with solid tyres next time!”