Jenson Button Trust Triathlon Delivers Something For Everyone

Jenson Button Trust Triathlon Delivers Something For Everyone

More than 600 athletes of all ages and experience enjoyed a day of sport in Derby on Sunday (July 23) as part of the Jenson Button Trust Triathlon.

400 individuals and teams of three competed twice during the day with an open-water swim in Markeaton Park lake, a closed-road cycle route in and out of the city’s Cathedral Quarter and then a run route around the picturesque park.

Meanwhile 200 youngsters and accompanying adults joined the family triathlon in the lunchtime break – covering a shorter course before crossing the main finish line.

Reigning male and female champions were triumphant again in the finals.

Emma Pallant (28) clocked up a time of 52:27 and has now won the event for four consecutive years whilst Ben Dijkstra (18) came home with a comfortable lead with a time of 47:14.

Unfortunately Formula 1 McLaren Honda racing driver Jenson Button was not so lucky in the finals and had to retire after the cycle stage due to technical difficulties.

He said afterwards: “I am obviously disappointed but today is about everyone else who competes in the triathlon and it has been fantastic to see so much passion and commitment from everyone who has taken part.

“We had a great turnout and it was particularly brilliant to see the youngsters enjoying themselves as they are the triathletes of the future.”

Also in the lunch time break there was children’s criterium hosted by Cycle Derby CC in the city centre with young people taking part in a series of races around closed roads.

The event, organised on behalf of the Jenson Button Trust by Derby-based HUUB Events, has been raising money for Barnardo’s.

The event’s headline sponsor was Santander who work closely with Jenson as one of their brand ambassadors and the event has been supported by Derby City Council with Deputy Leader Cllr Martin Rawson presenting the trophies alongside Jenson at the end of the event.

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