ST IVES Biathlon went “swimmingly” on Saturday (June 22) following the popular annual event celebrating its 26th year.

The event, sponsored by Penwith College and organised by St Ives Surf Life Saving Club, with the support of many local organisations and businesses, was enjoyed by hundreds of people, both taking part and supporting.

Participants ran through the streets of the town, starting from the Fishermen’s Lodge in the harbour, following the coast path towards Carbis Bay beach for approximately for approximately 1.5 miles, before entering the water and swimming back to the harbour slipway for another 1.5 miles; juniors and novices ran to Porthminster beach before swimming back.

Hundreds of spectators turned out in support, especially across the harbour front, where runs started, and swims finished.

More than 230 people entered across all age groups and categories, with Zak Clemens taking the winner of the men’s open, and Isabelle Leigh taking winner of the women’s open; and Team Haynes finishing first in the open teams.

Finley Jeffrey and Daisy Leigh won the male and female juniors; with Team Knights finishing first in the Junior teams.

Joshua Hoggett-Crisp and Robyn Coatsworth won men’s and women’s in the novice race; whilst the vet race (40yrs+) was won by David Green and Anna Harrold; with the super vets (50+yrs) won by Matt Leigh and Janet Haynes.

New and returning participants travelled from as far a-field as London, Surrey and Southampton to take part, with the most senior competitor aged 67.

The club is looking to introduce a new Super Vet+ age category for 2025 following participants over 60 years of age growing year-on-year.

Entry fees, business sponsorship and donations/sales on the day are now being calculated, and the event will be a significant fundraiser for St Ives Surf Life Saving Club – who rely on this flag-ship event for vital club funds each year.

The Biathlon is supported by a wide range of local organisations who donate services and goods to ensure that it is a highlight of the St Ives calendar for locals and visitors alike.

Chris Simpson, the chair of St Ives Surf Life Saving Club and Biathlon event lead said: “Hundreds of people enjoyed this year’s Biathlon both in and out of the water.

“This is thanks to many local organisations who support us in organising the event and keeping people safe whilst participating.

“We would like to thank everyone involved including SISLSC committee members, RNLI Lifeguards for their continued dedication and support late into a Saturday evening, RNLI inshore lifeboat crew, club board paddlers and lifeguards, marshals, stall-holders, goody bag packers, kit transporters, Surfhouse for use of their room, the Fisherman's Lodge for the use of the lodges, Anya Piotrowicz for First Aid Cover, Carbis Bay Hotel for supplying a water station, Printed By The Sea printing our t-shirts, and many local businesses for raffle prizes.

“Alongside the phenomenal support we receive in organising and hosting the event, we are also reliant on the generosity of local businesses who sponsor it and donate gifts in kind, so that we can meet growing costs, whilst also raising vital funds for our club. We would like to thank all of our business sponsors – many of whom have supported us year-on-year, including our title sponsor Penwith College.”

Steve Kenward, Associate Director at Penwith College, added: “Penwith College prides itself on being a key part of the West Cornwall community and by supporting events such as the St Ives Biathlon we can really bring that community involvement alive. With more students from St Ives and surrounding areas starting their studies at Penwith College this year, supporting the biathlon is also a great way for them to see their future college out and about in the community. It’s fantastic to be a part of it.”