Another Monsterous Success in Ely

Monster Racing staged their middle and standard distance triathlons around Ely on Sunday, 20st August. These events attract a real mixed field from newcomers to the sport to GB age groupers and pro triathletes.
Monster Racing multi-sport events are well supported with a generous prize fund from their sponsors which attracts those chasing the podium finishes.
The start list promised to be a great race to watch with an exciting battle for the podium places and the prizes!
Over 425 athletes signed up to the events, which promised an iconic swim through Ely in the River Ouse to start, a flat fen bike course and a spectacular new run route around the city through the magnificent Cathedral grounds on mostly closed roads to the finish line.
The athletes in the Middle completed a mile and a quarter swim, 58 mile cycle and 13 mile run. Whilst athletes in the Standard followed the same course but with less distance, just under a mile swim, 26 mile cycle and a 7 and a half mile run.

For many the race was the end of months of dedication to training and many personal best times were recorded! The Monster Middle winner in a time of 4hr 13min 14sec was Simon George (Lincoln Tri/Giant Lincoln), second male was Scott Hill (Zone3 / RAF Triathlon), 4:21:19, and third male was Tom Burkinshaw, 4:24:27.
The female winner was Claire Weller (Ipswich Triathlon), 4:55:31, second female was Mel Sykes, 5:09:06, and third female was Samantha Roe (Les Stables Race Team), 5:31:27. For the first time the Monster Standard was won by a female in a fantastic time of 2hr 14min 41 sec was Kimberley Morrison (Race Hub), second female was Verity Smith (Stowmarket & District Tri Team), 2:35:40, and third female was Julie Tapley (Cambridge Triathlon Club), 2:39:17. The male winner was Gareth Hurst (Cambridge Triathlon Club), 2:6:28, second male was Dan Elliot (TriCentralUK), 2:17:23, and third male was Sean Watson (Leeds Triathlon Centre), 2:17:43.
All podium placed finished won vouchers donated by Zone3.
The winner teams, Team Average and Team Jinkerson took home prizes from Fenland Runner, a local retail brand. Tasty race nutrition was provided by Hammer Nutrition.
For those looking to race in September, Monster Racing have their Run Fest to tempt people with, be quick as limited places remain. Entries are open at www.monsterracing.net. The organisers commented: “Monster Racing events are known for their excellent organisation and brilliant, quick, courses!
This year’s events tried out a new route and for the first time featured a mostly closed road run which went down a treat with the racers.
The Monster Middle and Standard are popular events with a history of selling out so to ensure you get a place next register early to avoid disappointment.
We would like to thank everyone who helped marshal, all competitors, all safety and ‘behind the scenes’ crew as well all our sponsors. Thank you also to Kings School, Ely Cathedral and City and District Council for supporting the event with access to grounds and road closures.”
Image courtesy of Ian-Green Photography.