The course record at the Banbury Triathlon was smashed by the women's winner as the event made its return.

Rosie Weston, one of the race's elite athletes, broke the record while Henry Sleight secured the top spot for males on his birthday.

The event, organised by Team Cherwell Triathlon Club took place on May 19 in the sun at Woodgreen Leisure Centre.

Oxford Mail: Henry Sleight (left) and Alex Birch (right), chair of Team CherwellHenry Sleight (left) and Alex Birch (right), chair of Team Cherwell (Image: Craig Tibbetts)

 

The finish line was flooded by orange when the relay team representing Freddie’s Future Bone Cancer Research Trust completed the race.

The trust was set up after was Freddie was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare childhood cancer, in November 2019 aged six.

Oxford Mail: The Freddie's Future teamThe Freddie's Future team (Image: Craig Tibbetts)

 

Let’s Play Banbury met the new Banbury town mayor, Mark Cherry, who lent his support at the event.

The charity specialises in after school clubs, holiday activities and youth groups for people with additional needs aged five to 25.

Oxford Mail: Mayor Mark Cherry with Let's Play BanburyMayor Mark Cherry with Let's Play Banbury (Image: Craig Tibbetts)

Oxford Mail: Banbury mayor Mark CherryBanbury mayor Mark Cherry (Image: Craig Tibbetts)

 

 

The Goodman family were taking part in a triathlon for the first time.

Mother Nicola Goodman formed a relay team alongside her two daughters.

She said: "Thank you for hosting such a well-organised event - it was Team Goodman’s first triathlon and we’d definitely do one again."

Oxford Mail: The Goodman familyThe Goodman family (Image: Craig Tibbetts)

Oxford Mail: Maddie GoodmanMaddie Goodman (Image: Craig Tibbetts)

 

 

The event's organisers said: "The event beautifully highlighted how the sport of triathlon fosters camaraderie and community spirit."

For those interested in taking up triathlon, Team Cherwell offers a free taster session.