Distance: 750m/ 20K/ 5K
Where: Karnes, Argyll, Scotland
When: July 3
First man: Graham Leitch 59:13
First woman: Kerry Macphee 1:10:12
Last finisher: 2:04:29
No of finishers: 117
This new sprint-distance event is bound to become a season favourite. With the west Scotland coastline providing an idyllic backdrop, swimmers made quick work of the first leg, thanks to the calm, sheltered waters of the Kyles of Bute.
Teenager Lewis Murchie, the only junior in the race, was first out of the water, in 9:05, with eventual race-winner Graham Leitch close on his heels.Then it was onto the undulating 20K bike course that provided a chance to take in the scenery of Tighnabruaich and surrounding villages, while providing some challenging hills.
Leitch quickly overtook Murchie (who was carrying a knee injury) and went on to post the only sub-hour time of the day. It was here that Kerry Macphee also shook off Emma Lamont to take the lead in the women's race.
Racers finished with a flat out-and-back 5K taking them back to Karnes, where a barbecue awaited. A scrap developed for second and third place in the men's event, with Crawford Whyte finishing seven seconds ahead of Andrew Brierley.
Meanwhile, Macphee built up a lead of exactly one minute to take victory despite valiant efforts from Lamont.
