Dame Kelly Holmes amongst 500 enjoying the Maxifuel Eton and Windsor Fun Run and Duathlon

Race report: Maxifuel Eton and Windsor Fun Run and Duathlon - Saturday, February 22, 2014

Sporting action returned to the stunning Dorney Lake venue this Saturday 22nd February, as 500 runners and duathletes took to the start line of the Maxifuel Eton and Windsor Fun Run and Duathlon. Amongst them was the Olympic legend Dame Kelly Holmes, who was competing in her first ever duathlon whilst extra spice was added to the dish by one of the biggest rivalries in sport, the Cambridge vs Oxford Varsity match, being held in the sprint event.

Raced on traffic-free roads at one of the most iconic venues from the London Olympic Games, entrants were treated to not only a fantastic course but also sunny and calm weather conditions, which all contributed to a wonderful atmosphere and race day. Runners had the choice of a 5km, 10km or a new 15km distances whilst the duathletes competed across either the Super-Sprint, Sprint or Standard distance.

In the Olympic Distance Duathlon (5km/40km/10km) Barnarby Gray of Farnham Triathlon Club emerged victorious in a swift time of 2:02:15. The podium was completed by Ryan McLaughlin from Provo2 Race Team in a time of 2:06:53, with Gray showing greater speed and strength in the final 10km run leg to win the race. The podium was completed by Austin Swain in 2:07:16.

The ladies winner of the Olympic Distance Duathlon was local lady Nicki Aitken, who competes for the Leicestershire based semi-pro team Racetime Events. Aitken, who started as favourite, covered the course in 2:18:51 to open up a clear winning margin over 2nd placed Carol Harper (Serpentine RC) in 2:25:42 with Antonia Moss completing the podium in 2:28:41.

Race-winner Nicki Aitken said after the race: "This is a fantastic event from the team at F3 Events - you can't fault them for organisation and atmosphere, the crowd and volunteers make a good day great."

Race Director Martyn Edwards, F3 Events commented: "It was excellent to see a big turn out today with some regular faces and great to see so many smiles crossing the line."

Dame Kelly Holmes added another trophy to her mantelpiece on her debut in the sport, winning the veterans category against some strong local opposition. Holmes finished the sprint distance duathlon in 1:25:17 and 12th lady.

Cambridge University emerged victorious after their varsity battle in a closely-contested Sprint Duathlon, with Petros Giannaros (Cambridge University Triathlon Club) 1st over the line in 1:07:58. The podium was completed by James Felce (Oxford University Triathlon Club) in 1:08:08 and Max Jenkins (Cambridge University Triathlon Club) in 1:08:11.

Now in its 7th year, this fixture was the 2nd in the 2014 Series and is regarded as the countries premiere Winter run and duathlon competition to take part in. Anyone can enter and compete in the next event, which returns with a full running and duathlon schedule to Dorney Lake on Sunday 23rd March. On the preceding Saturday 22nd March, the Maxifuel Half Marathon will also be contested.

More information and entry information can be found at www.f3events.co.uk

Dorney Lake, Eton College Rowing Centre is conveniently located along the M4 Motorway, only 20 minutes from London and 15 minutes from the M25 and M40 motorways.

The event will have full car parking facilities available, which will be in operation to allow participants to come and go, whilst the event is still taking place and makes it perfect for spectators and family to attend and soak up the atmosphere. The event also has full catering facilities, music and commentary, massage, on-course nutrition plus fun and games for kids of all ages – not to mention a great atmosphere for competitors and spectators.

The Maxifuel Windsor and Eton Winter Fun Run and Duathlon Series are partnered with Ashmei Apparel, Triathlete Europe, XTERRA Wetsuits and Wattbike. Their charity partners are the Sue Ryder fund.

Men's Maxifuel Standard Duathlon results

Women's Maxifuel Standard Duathlon results

Men's Maxifuel Sprint Duathlon results

Women's Maxifuel Sprint Duathlon results

Men's Maxifuel Super Sprint Duathlon results

Women's Maxifuel Super Sprint Duathlon results

Men's Maxifuel 15km run results

Women's Maxifuel 15km run results

Men's Maxifuel 10km run results

Women's Maxifuel 10km run results

Men's Maxifuel 5km run results

Women's Maxifuel 5km run results

All the results can be found online: http://www.stuweb.co.uk/results.html