A MAJOR Cumbrian sporting event took place in Keswick at the weekend and despite the weather not playing ball, the triathlon event continues to go from strength to strength eight years on from its creation. 

The Lakesman triathlon returned to the county last weekend, with the three day event starting with swimming events on Friday, June 14 before the Lakes mini and budgie smuggler events on Saturday, June 15 and the weekend being wrapped up with the Lakesman half triathlon event on Sunday, June 16.

Organiser, Marie Whitehead, who organises the annual event alongside her husband Phil said: "We had really really adverse weather conditions and we had to make a lot of last minute decision to make sure that the marquee we were registering everybody in wasn't actually flooded.

"We had huge support from our volunteers and managed to get it ready to get it open for Friday, but the sun came out for race day.

A swimmer in the Friday event.A swimmer in the Friday event. (Image: Lakesman and Route North)

"The Saturday we had the Lake mini 130 kids taking part in four different running events, we also had the Zoe Calway inspiration award with the Lakesman being in partnership with Cartmell Shepherd- that was pretty emotional.

"On Sunday, the sun came up as the swimmers went in we had nearly 300 volunteers out on the course and nearly 800 athletes, the feedback has been absolutely phenomenal."

Participants in this years event have taken to social media to congratulate the organisers on a 'welcome and relaxed' event.

Finishers in the Lakesman half eventFinishers in the Lakesman half event (Image: Lakesman and Route North)

Carol from Preston said: "Seriously though, what makes this the best triathlon in the UK is the Lakesman Family.

"Their hard work really shines through, every time, and you make the magic happen. As a competitor you feel like a VIP, and nothing seems to be too much trouble. The Lakesman volunteers are awesome."

Becky from Liverpool said: "My first Lakesman. I travelled alone, but as soon as I arrived I felt welcomed and relaxed.

Finishers in the Lakes Mini event on SaturdayFinishers in the Lakes Mini event on Saturday (Image: Lakesman and Route North)

"The whole event was perfect from start to finish, such a great atmosphere and I even got a 70.3 PB. Great event, great people, delicious food and amazing support from the volunteers.

"I left feeling I’d made great friends and been embraced into ‘The Lakesman’ family, I’ll be back next year."