Records were broken at the 2009 Taunton Deane Foot Anstey Aquathlon on Sunday 22nd February at Wellington Sports Centre. A record 250 competitors entered and some set new fastest times for the event.

The team categories proved to be a real attraction for athletes who had never entered the event before, with many bringing their families along to support them.

The athletes and teams faced the challenging 500 or 1000 m swim followed by an undulating 5 or 10 km run. The weather was kind with excellent running conditions, with all the snow and ice disappearing in time for the event.

The 1000m/10km event was first off with athletes starting in waves of up to 24. After completing 40 lengths of the pool they set off on the new course through the countryside around Wellington, before returning to the Sports Centre for the finish. After four waves it was the turn of the sprint distance who had 20 lengths and two shorter laps to complete.

Both the long and short courses were dominated by young competitors with junior Holly Lawrence winning the ladies’ long course and first year senior, Junior Heffernan winning the mens’ long course.

In the short course, Harriet Rogers and Simon Cooper, both only 14 years old, were well ahead throughout and both set new short course records.

Both the short and long Corporate Challenge trophies were won by the corporate teams of Queens College. Foot Anstey were second in the long course and The Moore Scarrott Partnership were second in the short course event.

Paul Lester, one of the organisers of the event said “Our sponsors, Foot Anstey Solicitors, really got behind the event, not only with their generous support, but they also had 28 members of staff competing in both individual and team entries.

"Many thanks to all the marshalls who gave up their time to help, to all the guys and gals in Somerset RC Tri who marshalled as well as raced, to the staff at Wellington Sports Centre for making us so welcome and to DLO for their logistical support."

Andrew Hannam partner at Taunton law firm Foot Anstey said "Our congratulations go to all the competitors for making this such a great day. The event goes from strength to strength and the new team and Corporate Challenge categories are attracting new competitors to the sport.

"I am looking forward to the Triathlon on 17th May which is already completely booked up".

The Aquathlon was organised by Tone Leisure and, local triathlon club, Somerset RC Tri.