Here are the final results for all to see how this years Tandem Triathlon participants did.

Download the Tandem Festival results 2010 (PDF)

Download the Tandem Festival press report 2010 (PDF)

Special Thanks

• Wenlock Water - for donation of the bottles of water and water dispensers.
• Village Outreach Project - for use of the Marquee, toys and electrical equipment
• Bishop’s castle Community College - for use of their grounds and facilities
• Forestry Commission / Enterprise - for use of Colstey Wood and grass cutting near the entrance
• Rowson Family - for refreshments in hall
• Shropshire Bedlams Morris Team - for running the bar
• Three Tuns - for venue for planning Meetings
• Peter Hamar, Beech Farm, Linley - for use of the field for the campsite and putting in the water

The event next year will take place on Saturday 2nd July 2011.

If you would like more information about the event, please contact Dave Hinves on 07970 983917 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Background information

Each crew of 2-people are given a swim start time when the running clock is started. One person completes a 1-kilometre swim at Bishop’s Castle Leisure Centre, before dashing out to their partner waiting with the Tandem. Both partners cycled a 35-kilometre Tandem bike ride up Colstey Bank to Clun, through Clunton, then back to Bishop’s Castle via Lydbury North. Then up the fearsome Colstey Bank for a second time where the other partner completes a 10-kilometre cross-country run through Colstey Wood. Once the runner is finished the pair then cycled back down Colstey Bank to the Community College, Bishop’s Castle to be given a finish time. An overall time is achieved by taking the time they started from the time given as they crossed the finish line. Competitors are also given their split times for the swim and run section. The swim times are entered on the computer on the day, but the run times are brought down at the end of the event and entered a few days later.

Acknowledgement and thanks

This unique event appears to attract a special spirit of it’s own, with a marvellous family, friendly atmosphere created by a large number of local volunteers. Each aspect is organised by co-ordinator and some of these people also compete. With so many volunteers that contribute to the flavour of the day - there are many people to thank. Dr Adrian Penney continues to provide experience and support to the voluntary organising committee. Prior to the competitors registering for the event all the bikes have to be checked by Pete Bird and his team from ‘Tandem Experience’.

At registration Nikki Pugh coordinates a team of people to check in of all the competitors, distribute race numbers and hand out shirts. The swimming section was organised on the day by Helen Lloyd-Langford and Russell Jones from Teme Leisure who coordinate the swimmers and lane counters, while organised the Lifeguard cover at the SpArC Centre. The Bishop's Castle & District Cycle Group have taken on the coordination of the road marshals for the bike leg with assistance on the day from many people. Sue Davies was the Run Coordinator with assistance from and members of Croft Ambrey Running Club now marshalling in Colstey Wood. Sam Cameron ensured that the times were accurately recorded at the finish, while Jonathon Walton and Stuart Altman dealt with the running commentary throughout the day over the PA system. David Hinves completed recording of results and sorting into order, which was completed just in time for the Presentation Ceremony @ 6pm.

Junior Triathlon Challenge

Once again, a major success of the day was the junior event with 80-youngsters in teams of 2-people, ranging from 7 to 13 years of age. Liz Colebrook and Peter Carty did the co-ordination of this aspect with a large group of volunteer adults to assist. Following a bike check, registration and collection of their race numbers, the first partner went to the Swimming Pool to complete 10-lengths (for Primary pupils) and 20-lengths (for Secondary aged pupils) swim, while their partner waited with both bikes outside. On completion both participants walked down to the school field for other partner to complete the run element. Both partners then completed the cycle section on their own bikes, which for the younger age group took place on the school playing field. The Secondary aged youngsters cycled on the public highway, the small lane from Colebatch to join the later part of the adult course to finish back at the Community College.