Somerset's Triathletes Take on Burleigh Beach Run

Somerset's triathletes Aspen Anderson and Timothy Hornsey took part in the Annual Burleigh Swim Run, a tough 400 metre Surf swim and four kilometre Beach Run traditionally held on Australia Day. The event is in its 11th year and the honour roll winners are some of Australia's best endurance athletes.

Both athletes are part of the Spartan Triathlon Performance Squad. Aspen joined the school last term and has brought incredible positive attitude to the group that has reflected into more dedication and commitment of the whole team. Tim, a well-known face in hockey has given triathlon a go over the last months and has demonstrated amazing adaptability to the new sport.

Aspen who has been successful in the past years at the U12 category thought she could challenge herself this year at the OPEN category.

"On the day I was definitely nervous, but when the gun went, I had a great start positioning myself in a good pack in the water. I came out in sixth place and saw what I had to chase down. It came down to 20 minute 22 second just 16 second behind the winner Jaz Hedgeland and I was so surprised and elated to achieve this result at my age against such great athletes."

Tim raced U16 and won (19:38) with an impressive performance, a confidence boost for the upcoming All Schools State Championships at Hervey Bay mid-February. It was his first participation, "The conditions were very good and waves were pumping which lead to a good chance to getting a wave from the buoy to shore. The run was difficult as the high tide pushed the athletes to run on soft sand. A completely different and enjoyable experience."

Our triathlon program caters for all levels of experience including parents as Age Group athletes. It will be a great pleasure to see more and more of our Spartans trailing the path of our most talented triathletes.