This year’s Colliers Bristol TRYathlon for professionals was the biggest and most successful ever, with places selling out over a month in advance.
The annual TRYathlon attracted 250 entrants the highest number since the event was launched in 2013 by the Bristol office of commercial property specialist Colliers International as a sporting event at which professional disciplines could come together and raise money for charity, with an emphasis upon trying and having fun.
Competitors had to swim 400m, cycle 16km, and run 5km, either as members of teams of three or as individuals. All entry fees went to the charity Wooden Spoon Bristol & Bath, which aims to transform the lives of disadvantaged and disabled children and young people through the power of rugby. In total the amount raised came to £5,278.
The original idea for the TRYathlon came from Head of Bristol office Tim Davies, who has competed every year as an individual and recorded a personal best time this year. He said: “It was a superb day, and it was a pleasure to see so many clients and friends from Bristol and beyond taking part together with staff from the UK offices of Colliers International.
“Many more undoubtedly would have been taking part if there hadn’t been a limit on numbers, as we were still getting enquiries from would-be entrants long after all places had sold out.
“Fitness is very much a part of life for many modern professionals, and the growing popularity year on year of the Bristol TRYathlon reflects this.”
Mr Davies, who is also a qualified rugby referee, added: “We’ve chosen Wooden Spoon as our charity for this year’s event. It does fantastic work in enhancing the lives of disadvantaged and disabled children through rugby, and their work is entirely funded through events such as the TRYathlon.”
The Bristol TRYathlon has been held annually at Tockington Manor School since it launched. This year competitors from 52 leading organisations took part, including representatives from Arup, Clarke Willmott LLP, Grafton Group, Eagle One, Bristol City Council, Quality Solicitors Burroughs Day, Beach Baker Recruitment and Quarter.
Also competing as individuals and teams were representatives from Colliers International offices from around the UK, among them Tony Horrell, the company’s chief executive for the UK and Ireland, who ran 5km as part of a relay team.
Winner of the Under 40 Male category was man was Steve McGuigan of Colliers International in a time of 00:56:00, and the winner of the Under 40 Female category was Victoria Moore of Cushman and Wakefield with a time of 01:06:45. The fastest novice competitor was Ed Pitt of TLT Solicitors with a time of 00.58.06.
Winner of the over 40 Male category – and also the fastest individual competitor – was Mike Higgins of Hydrock with 00.55.54, and the Over 40 Female winner was individual competitor Rosie Waller who completed the race in 01:13:23.
The fastest male team were the Vectos Tortoises from Vectos achieving a time of 00:52:09; the fastest female team was Hares Hurricanes from Osborne Clarke with a time of 01.07.33; and the fastest mixed team was Sheep Brothers from Colliers International with a time of 01.02.15
