Fawkes goes back-to-back at Barwon Heads Triathlon

DAVID Fawkes has taken out the Barwon Heads Triathlon, winning the race for a second year in a row.

The annual event saw a record number in the field, with just under 1,000 competitors taking part on Sunday, including almost 400 first timers.

Fawkes completed the short tri course in a time of 39 minutes and 49 seconds, followed by Otis Jones (40:34) and Jesse Fisher (42:31) in the open male category.

“This is my second time doing the event, I did my first one last year and it’s unreal, I just love the local atmosphere, the vibe is really good, and there’s always a big crowd,” Mr Fawkes said.

The shortened event consisted of a 400m swim, a 14km bike leg and a 4km run.

The Geelong local considered not participating in this year’s event, coming down with COVID the week before.

“I did nothing for the best part of 10 days, I was just laid up on the couch with no energy,” he said.

“I thought I’d just give it a crack anyway, I started to come good and have a bit more energy, it wasn’t as fast as I would have liked but still pretty good.”

Penny Nevill came first in the female open category with a time of 46 minutes and two seconds, finishing ahead of Lauren Burnham (46:32) and Gemma Berry (47:02).

Event organiser Lincoln Beckworth said the conditions on the day were perfect, with no wind and the biggest crowd of spectators yet.

“The bridge was lined with people, the river was lined with people, the finish line, it was a great atmosphere for the event.”

Mr Beckworth thanked the 13th Beach Health Service for their support and is looking forward to their tenth event next year.

For more information and full race results, head to barwonheadstri.com.au