Athletes gathered at Mooragh Park and Ramsey seafront on Sunday for the highly anticipated billboards.im Isle of Man Triathlon Championships.
Organised by the Manx Tri Club, the event on September 6 drew competitors from across the island to tackle both standard and sprint distance courses in demanding conditions.
Competitors faced an exceptionally challenging day on the northern coast, battling strong, gusty winds and choppy waters during the opening swim leg.
The rolling waves tested the grit and technical skills of every swimmer before they transitioned onto the exposed bike and run routes, making this year’s championship a true test of endurance and resilience.
Flagship Solo
It was a family affair in the flagship Solo Standard Triathlon, as husband and wife duo Andy and Clara Isaac swept the top step in both the male and female individual categories.
Andy put in an outstanding performance to claim overall victory in 2h 17m 37s, while Clara dominated the female field, finishing an impressive 3rd overall among all competitors in 2h 32m 05s.
Adding to a memorable day, Clara was also awarded the Park Award this year in recognition of her outstanding support and contribution to the local triathlon community.
Further highlighting the Team Standard event was a standout victory by “Ledley King”, featuring professional triathletes Chloe Sparrow and Will Draper.
The win marked an exciting return to racing for Sparrow following her recent recovery from knee surgery. Demonstrating world-class resilience and pace, Sparrow and Draper dominated the standard relay distance to claim 1st place overall.
Solo Sprint
In the Solo Sprint Triathlon, victory belonged to Nick Ardern and Kiera Prentice, who delivered tactical performances to take 1st place in the male and female categories respectively.
The sprint race carried additional weight for competitors this year, serving as a key selection and benchmark event for the selection committee when determining the squad for the upcoming 2027 Island Games.
Ardern crossed the line in 1h 11m 22s to secure top spot, while Prentice put in a stellar run to lead the female field, stopping the clock at 1h 19m 57s.
Adding to the pedigree of the sprint discipline, team winners “Brian, Jackie, Peter” featuring Brian Draper, Jackie Kennaugh and Peter Kennaugh brought top sporting genetics to the fore, underscoring the high caliber of athletic prowess present across the day’s racing.
Below are the podium finishers across each category:
Solo – Standard Triathlon (1500m Swim)
Male / Open
1st Place: Andrew Isaac — 2h 17m 37s
2nd Place: Nathan Draper — 2h 19m 56s
3rd Place: Russell Collister — 2h 33m 41s (4th overall)
Female
1st Place: Clara Isaac — 2h 32m 05s (3rd overall)
2nd Place: Sophie Acton — 2h 52m 05s (8th overall)
3rd Place: Charlotte Casement — 3h 05m 40s (11th overall)
Solo – Sprint Triathlon (750m Swim)
Male / Open
1st Place: Nick Ardern — 1h 11m 22s
2nd Place: Harry Kinley — 1h 12m 47s
3rd Place: Cameron Leslie — 1h 13m 49s
Female
1st Place: Kiera Prentice — 1h 19m 57s (8th overall)
2nd Place: Vicki Rawlinson — 1h 29m 21s (15th overall)
3rd Place: Katie Ardern — 1h 30m 08s (17th overall)
Team Categories
Team – Standard Triathlon (1500m Swim)
1st Place: Ledley King
2nd Place: Activ8 returns
3rd Place: Speedy reedy and the tram
Team – Sprint Triathlon (750m Swim)
1st Place: Brian, Jackie, Peter
The organisers extend their sincere thanks to title sponsor billboards.im for supporting the event, as well as the marshals, safety kayaks, and spectators who braved the conditions to support the athletes.
