On a weekend when several British triathlon events were offering up some quite tasty prize money, Saturday's third edition of the Jenson Button Trust Triathlon at Luton Hoo Hotel has managed to secure awesome weather, a great field of Pro's and top Elite athletes and a whole host of first time triathletes who enjoyed a splendid day in a wonderful venue. It's not often that you have athlete village with a genuine Formula 1™ car parked up for you to marvel at.

An 'Eliminator' format, all athletes got to race twice on the day with the top 25 from each of the two ladies heats, and the top 50 from each of the three men's heats (held over a Super Sprint 300m / 9k / 2.5k), progressing through to the afternoon's finals (750m / 14.5k / 5k), while everyone else got to race again in the 'wooden spoon' finals.

As we outlined last week, a top quality field was present including two-time Ironman World Champion Chris McCormack, pre-race favourite Will Clarke, Emma Pallant, Katie Hewison and many more, including Scottish Commonwealth Games athletes Natalie Milne and Seonaid Thompon - added on arrival with further late entries from the likes of Sophie Coldwell, David Bishop and Jacqui Slack. All in all, a real depth in quality for a domestic race.

As would be expected, most of the favourites were able to take it very easy in the morning, most - with perhaps the exception of Will Clark - barely moving into third gear as they saved themselves for the afternoon's action and the battle for the £7000 prize fund.

Come the final, Emma Pallant was a little sluggish through T2 but emerged was still part of a leading foursome heading out on to the run leg, and the speed which has seen her win in Corby, Blenheim and Windsor this year was enough to take the title here, moving up one place from 2013, and take the win ahead of Katie Hewison and Sophie Coldwell.

Despite being kept awake in recent nights by son Freddie, and claiming to be not too fit after a mid season break, Will Clarke was able to take the win. He was pushed hard though by David Bishop, the pair running neck-and-neck for most of the run before Will was able to pull away for a four second victory margin over the final 400 metres.

All in all, a superb day, brilliant venue and a lot of very happy people enjoying a real all day festival of fun which included live music, free beer, barbecue and lots of activities. Highly recommended.

Jenson Button Trust Triathlon - Ladies Final Finish

Jenson Button Trust Triathlon - Men's Final Finish

IMAGE GALLERY

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The 2014 Jenson Button Triathlon album link can be found HERE