by Sarah Charlotte Drew
Four Spalding Triathlon Club members took on a physically demanding course at the Sleaford half marathon.
The course took place predominantly on road, but there was a near-two mile stretch on muddy farm tracks.
The members also had to deal with 40mph winds, cold weather and a couple of miles of muddy tracks – making the 21.81km course a real challenge.
Among the four was father and son duo Andy and Callum McPartlin.
Andy, who finished with a time of 1.51.18hrs, said: “It was great to race in such a well-organised event, although it was a tough and not at all a fast course.
“It was my first race in five years but I loved the chance to do an event with Callum again.”
For Callum, this was his first race of the year as well as being his first half marathon.
He came 73rd out of 594 runners, finishing with a time of 1.33.20hrs
Callum said: “The race was very challenging but a great one. I’m happy with my time in my first half marathon and it was good to be racing with my dad.
“I was using it as training and to get a time to aim off for my first half distance triathlon in July.
“It was a well-organised race and the rain held off – but there was over 40mph winds and a couple of miles were off road. That was very muddy and wet and the course was a lot hillier than I expected but I felt strong throughout and got the time I wanted to achieve.”
Tom Drew also participated and finished with a time of 1.41.15hrs. He came 18th of the 93 in his age group of 50-59 year old males.
He was followed by Christine Payne, who clocked a time of 2.17.29hrs.
