The Slateman 2016: Thousands flock to the iconic Triathlon

The action packed weekend of the Slateman Triathlon powered by Suunto was met with excitement and anticipation by the 1500 triathletes who descended on Llanberis, in the heart of North Wales to take part in what has become one of the UK's most iconic triathlons.

Saturday's changeable weather gave way a sunny start, and what was still evident from the previous day were the vibrant mountain landscapes, challenging quarry trails and a glistening, freshwater lake for the opening salvo swim in Llyn Padarn.

Saturday had seen nearly 500 triathletes embark on the Slateman Triathlon Sprint and Mini Sprint events. The first day also included the Slateman Junior race where over 200 young people participated.

The race featured a full 1000m swim, followed by 51km on the bike and closed with an epic 11km trail run. It was Garry Hughes, who emerged victorious in Sunday's men's race with a great time of 02.29.51. Garry beat Paul Hawkins who finished in second place and James Hockin, who finished third.

The women’s race was won by Suzie Richards with a time of 02.43.07. Ruth Purbrook finished second with a time of 02.48.44. Third place was taken by Alison Stewart, to complete the women’s podium.

With thousands of enthusiastic supporters cheering on the triathletes the atmosphere at the Padarn lakeside was electric. Not even a slip on the wet Llanberis tarmac, and a nasty looking arm injury, could stop Garry winning the race by almost a minute.

Suzie Richards won the Slateman Full distance event for the third successive year, with over five minutes between her and second place.

The thousands of athletes, supporters and local community members were treated to a vast amount of live entertainment and local cuisines over the Slateman weekend. From climbing walls to bouncy castles there was loads of things to do to keep the children entertained. The weekend also saw promising local bands and solo artists play live music to a huge crowd who basked in the famous Slateman atmosphere.

On Saturday Ross MacDonald and Rhian Roxburgh emerged as individual winners of the men and women Slateman Tri Sprint, after storming around the course in a time of 01.14.36 and 01.20.28 respectively.

The sprint in Llanberis consisted a 400m Padarn lake swim, 20km bike leg - which took in the immense climb that is the Llanberis Pass - and a scenic, but demanding, 6km trail run in the quarries above the race village, Ross was pushed all the way by Grant Bateman, but Ross went on to win by just under two minutes.

Second place went to Grant Bateman, with Paul Savage claiming third.

Rhian Roxburgh produced a scintillating performance to finish in first place ahead of Ruth Purbrook and Sarah Vickers who finished second and third place respectively.

The Slateman Savage saw over 160 competitors compete over two days in the Sprint and the Full distance races. The winner of the Slateman Savage in the male category was Ross MacDonald, producing an extraordinary time of 03.53.45. The winner of the Savage in the women’s category was Ruth Purbrook, who completed the eye-watering challenge in 04.12.29.

Event planner and Always Aim High Events Director, Tim Lloyd was delighted with the success of the 2016 Slateman Triathlon, commenting:

“The Slateman is such an awesome race, it’s always a fantastic pleasure to invite so many triathletes to this stunning part of the world. This year's race has been an amazing success once again, the sell-out status shows that the demand for this type of racing in beautiful natural environments continues to grow, this is the third year in succession that the Slateman has been full!”

“Feedback once again is unbelievably positive. It’s the happy triathletes that make all the hard work in organising this race so worthwhile. Our Snowdonia Tri and Sandman will complete our Adventure Triathlon series, and we’re super excited for these later in the summer.”

The Slateman is the first triathlon in the Always Aim High Adventure Triathlon Series, which also includes the excellent Snowdonia Triathlon Festival (30/31 July) and the Sandman Triathlon (17/18 September).

Slateman Triathlon Full 2016 results

Top 3 Men:

1st - Garry Hughes - 02.29.51
2nd - Paul Hawkins - 02.30.40
3rd - James Hockin - 02.30.44

Top 3 Women:

1st - Suzie Richards - 02.43.07
2nd - Ruth Purbrook - 02.48.44
3rd - Alison Stewart - 02.54.22

1st Male Savage: - Ross MacDonald - 03.53.45
1st Female Savage: - Ruth Purbrook - 04.12.29

Slateman Triathlon 2016 sprint results

Top 3 Men

1st - Ross MacDonald - 01.14.36
2nd - Grant Bateman - 01.16.08
3rd - Paul Savage - 01.16.36

Top 3 Women

1st - Rhian Roxburgh - 01.20.28
2nd - Ruth Purbrook - 01.23.45
3rd - Sarah Vickers - 01.26.52