Krazy Kristmas Kaper

Ever seen a fully grown man running around apark in a childs Batman outfit? Ever seen Mary and the Baby Jesus out for a run? Ever seen a Christmas Present containing two lovely ladies (easy lads!!!)? Hawaiian shirts, men in suits, christmas pixies and sandwich boards all out running together? No!!!! Then it's about time you raced the North Devon Tri Kristmas Kaper.

The recent awful weather in North Devon seemed to scare off many of the regulars to the Kaper this year, but still a hardy field of 43 turned up to brave the elements. Many of those were once again forsaking any hope of a decent time by donning fancy dress and all sorts of seasonal goodies for the 5k run.
The overall race winners were also the two youngest competitors out there. Sam Wordley (pictured below) from Barnstaple Swim Club took the overall title just 19 seconds ahead of Scoob Lark (WSLSC). 3rd home was Mark Alderman (NDTC) who was officially DQ'd for his dress code, but anybody willing to run around Rock Park in the middle of December wearing just a pair of Speedo's always deserves a mention.
1st lady and 4th overall was Belinda Alecock from LSC ahead of Eleanor Parker (WSLSC) and Nikki Barrass (NDTC).

The main talk leading into this race is always of who is going to wear what with the Fancy Dress prizes now holding more kudos than anything else. We were not to be disappointed with many people pulling out all the stops to give us all a laugh and no doubt make those dog walkers on Rock Park wonder what on earth was going on.
Amongst many amazing and inventive creations there were two that stood out above the rest. NDTC Chairman James Marshall once again set the standard with his AMAZING Mary & Jesus (and a pair of Newtons) creation, just look at that contraption - yes he did really push it for 5km. At the same time as James was going proper 'olde school' out on the run course Emily Hutchens and Eva Murphy from Saunton & Woolacombe SLSC's were battling their way around the narrow and sodden run course dressed as a huge Christmas Present, one costume for two people. It must have been interesting sight watching them trying to dodge the deep puddles that covered parts of the course.

North Devon Tri would like to thank everybody that raced and marshalled. you all helped make this one of the most fun events of the year. Thanks!

Links to the full results and pictures from the race can be found at www.northdevontri.co.uk/poolaqua.html we look forward to seeing you all again in 2010.

Merry Christmas :-)