A marked one lap 1km Stand Up Paddleboard course on Black Swan Lake at Dinton Pastures County Park took place recently. Plenty of safety kayakers were on hand to ensure participants felt safe and enjoyed the event.
Once complete, those taking part jumped off their SUP and found their running legs for a well signposted 5km run around Dinton Pastures Country Park.
The event was organised by Barnes Fitness, an independent sports event management consultancy owned and managed by husband-and-wife team Ellie Barnes and Ian Gosling.
A spokesman from Barnes Fitness said: “The annual event, now in its sixth year, was a great success. There were lots of people taking part for the first time, some travelling from as far afield as Derbyshire, Chelmsford and Stevenage to take part in the event.
“Our winner was local SUPathlete Nick Judd from Go with the Flo. He fought hard to take the win and had been working on his running to do so.”
Nick said: “Absolutely loved the Supathlon, and this year’s was no exception. It was brilliantly organised with such a friendly vibe. Well done, Ellie and team/family… so much work goes into getting these events on. Absolutely chuffed to have won it this year, though I’ve never been more pleased to see a finish line.”
Many of those taking part left enthusiastic reviews about the day. One said: “Such a unique and fun event. We took part for fun but some raced and it made absolutely no difference to our enjoyment.”
Another said: “A great event offering a different type of challenge, easy to navigate SUP course and a well-signed, flat 5K. Friendly organisation and supportive marshalls and spectators.”
And a third added: “First time at this event despite meaning to try it for at least two previous years and had a hugely enjoyable time, thanks to the efficient organisers and friendly fellow participants. The combination of 1km SUP and 5km run seems the perfect balance, with both water and land distances being just right for maximum inclusion; challenging without being off-puttingly daunting.”
For more pictures, see this month’s My Wokingham newspaper – OUT NOW
WORDS BY JACKY HAYLER