Gerard Smith and Emma Elms.

THREE members of DunmowTRI took part in the Challenge Henley Half Ironman on Sunday.

Emma Elms, Kirsten Jolly and Gerard Smith took part in the race – a 1,900m swim, 90km bike ride and a 21km run. The race was combined with Challenge Henley, an ironman event which attracted 1,500 competitors.

The swim took part in the River Thames with the first 900m against the current, however this made the returning 900m much easier for all the competitors. After transition one, the Dunmow athletes mounted their bikes to complete a 90km ride through the scenic Chiltern Hills supported by huge numbers of people.

Once the bike was completed it was back to Henley for the second transition and the start of the half marathon which would complete the race.

The first Dunmow athlete to finish was Smith in 6hrs 26secs, followed by Elms (6hrs 5mins) - smashing her own personal best for this distance. Third was Jolly in 6hrs 18mins but she had been delayed by a puncture.

If you are interested in competing in Triathlon the club offers training and support for all levels of athlete and is especially supportive of novice Triathletes. Regular swimming sessions, running track and cycling sessions are organised via the Club.

The club has eight British Triathlon qualified coaches to supervise all sessions. It is based from Dunmow Leisure Centre, for more information contact Phil Elms, Chairman at the Leisure Centre or via the club’s website dunmowtri.co.uk