N SUNDAY May 8, Roadford Lake was the venue for the first ever Leaky Freaky Duathlon hosted by Freak Events.

For those not familiar with this multi sport event, it comprises of cycling and running. Normally it’s a cycle followed by a run but on this occasion Freak Events decided to make it different and very unique.

Matt Luxton, owner of Functionally Aware Fitness Personal Training took part in the event and gives us his recollections of the day.

Luxton said: “We started at 8:30 am, with over 100 brave starters, including many first timers to the sport, so hats off to them with a 5 km run around the Roadford Lake grounds (see below), in bright sunshine.

“This run was not to be rushed with a tough cycle route taking us to Tamar Lakes in Kilkhampton for the next leg (45 km). This was actually the calm before the storm. When we arrived at Tamar Lakes for the next 5.7 km run, the air was really still and it was getting hot, many of commented on how we would have loved a dip at that point.

“So after that run, which I have to say I found quite tough considering it was flat, it was back on the bike to head back to Roadford. This bike although an exact reversal of the outward leg proved an arduous slog, exactly the same 45 km as before but it felt like 75 km. The wind had really picked up, it was hot and quite frankly I could have left my bike in Holsworthy without too much persuasion. However, I did have my eyes on a time that I wanted to achieve and there was a really good battle for the places around me.

“Thankfully there were some really supportive volunteer marshals on the route to help encourage all of the athletes which I am sure is the reason so many managed to finish what I consider a tougher race than any of the Half Ironman events I have done.

“So once back at Roadford it was one more 5 km run, it was a question of not too hard to avoid cramp but not too slow to avoid dropping places. It was great to see, after crossing the line and re entering some form of normality, all of the other athletes crossing the line and those who had finished before cheering them on from the banks along with their families. “Personally it was really good to see so many local people taking part, many of whom I have been coaching along the way and some who are members of the local triathlon club. If you have been thinking of having a go at a challenge I can strongly recommend the unique and friendly challenges set by the Freak Events organisation.”