EVESHAM athlete Helen Russell has been crowned British Quadrathlon champion for a fourth time having last won the title in 2019.
Russell, who was racing for Fladbury Paddle Club, crossed the finish line in a time of 1 hour 40 minutes and 17 seconds – more than nine minutes ahead of her nearest challenger – to become national champion.
The race took place in Shrewsbury and consisted of a 500-metre swim, 4.2 kilometre kayak in the River Severn, 23km cycle to Baschurch and back and a 5km run in the West Midlands Showground.
Russell said: “I am really surprised to have won the title and by such a large margin.
“I took a break from quadrathlon racing due to the impact of the pandemic, which hit my family hard and wasn’t sure whether I would actually return to the sport.
“Being British Champion again is therefore really special and I’d like to thank everyone that has supported me and helped me return to the top of the podium.”
Russell exited the swim leg in second place, just eight seconds behind Liz Dawson from Macclesfield and District Canoe Club.
However, a swift transition meant that she entered the kayak stage in first place and went on to build a solid lead throughout the race as she posted the fastest times in the kayak, bike and run legs.
That left Nicola Hamerton, from Macclesfield and District Canoe Club, to finish second in 1 hr 49 mins 32 secs just ahead of Adele Blakeborough, from Chester Canoe Club, who was third in 1 hr 49 mins 48 secs.
The win means that Russell, who is sponsored by the Rivers Fitness Gifted and Talented Scheme and Worcester-based sports clothing company, Scimitar, has been crowned British Quadrathlon champion four times.
