With over 100 entries and folk from as far away as Hull heading for the bottom corner of Devon, last weekend’s Stinger Duathlon was a fine mixture of pain and fun.

It started with a 3 mile trail run then 4 laps of the excellent 3.75 mile Newnham mountain bike course and the Stinger lived up to its name with a final 2-mile off-trail run incorporating big hills, rough forest tracks, water runs and even marshland. Want to know how folk did? Well read on for Martyn’s race report.

“The 1st run ended with David Wilkinson (Devon) and Andy Blow (Oxford) leading in just over 16 minutes, these two were still leading after the first bike lap. The specialist mountain bikers were enjoying the classic Newnham course and were getting nearer, and by the end of bike lap two Elliot Challifour (Bath) had taken the lead. But there were 7 riders all within a minute of the leader at this point. After the final bike lap the superior technical skills of Peter Hawkins (Devon) gave him a one-minute lead. However a slow change of footwear meant that as he made his way up the steep hill away from transition his lead was already down to a few seconds. The competitors disappeared into the depths of the Newnham woods and when they re-emerged and plunged into the 50yard river run it was Eliot Challifour who paddled his way to victory in a time of 1.41.30. He was followed home by Andy Blow in 1.42.17 with Ryan Kestle (Bath) third at 1.43.08.

The Women’s event was won by Helen Wainwright (Crewkerne) in a time of 2.13.13, with Helen Beetham (Cornwall) 2nd at 2.15.05 and Helen Baines (Bath) completing a Helen hat-trick in 3rd at 2.19.39.

Overall only 5 entrants failed to finish and a special mention must go to Jane Saggers (London) who, although lapped many times, was 20 minutes adrift of the next place finisher but who never looked like giving up and finished in a time of 3.17.57.

Martyn and Inevent would like to thank main sponsors Alltrax bike shop for setting a superb course and providing the prizes and general support”.

From what we’ve heard, everyone who turned up thought the event was great – even after the 50yd river dash! – and plans are already being laid for next years event. The Newnham 90 enduro dates have also been confirmed as the weekend of 7/8 September – more news on that soon.