Category: News

Bude’s Awesome Foursome

Jean Ashley

Big Thanks to Simon Hammond and his Team for organizing the last race in the BQA Trophy Series for 2025. Thankfully they were blessed with good weather, the main race was well supported especially with some fantastic Team combinations in pairs and relays of 4. Running along side was a sprint version which also went well with 9 individual competitors and a team from the local Bude Library!

Phillippe Jumeau

Congratulations go to Nigel Unwin winning the individual full race in 3.05.48, with Matt Rayment in 2nd place 3.13.48, and Nicholas Farnell in 3rd 3.16.48. Phillippe Jumeau took 4th place in 3.33.38, which secured him enough points to take the Overall British Trophy Championships, well deserved he has been flying the BQA Flag for many years, and has had a great consistent race season this year!

Kate Robson won the ladies event in 3.24.01 with the BQA’s young star Hermione Ball in 2nd place 3.43.30 with Pennie Channing in 3rd 4.04.52.

In the sprint race James Block took the win 1.26.07 with Russel Breyer in 2nd 1.39.52, the first lady home came 3rd overall in 1.42.45. Well done to all competitors, individuals, teams and pairs, its a fantastic achievement to get over that finish line in this iconic Quadrathlon, its now our longest running Quad in GB and a true testament to the commitment from Simon Hamond and all at Shoreline Events!

Full Results Awesome-Foursome-Quad-results-2025 

Russell finishing!

Report from – Russell Breyer one of our ‘long time supporters of Quadrathlon …. Thank You!

The Sprint is a brand new addition to the Bude calendar and a welcome one in my book. If, like me, your knackered 63 year old calves will no longer power you up Milook, or even round a 10k, then the Sprint is just the thing. Somehow Simon has managed to create all the fun and excitement in a half pint pot. Same swim and kayak routes (just one lap of each), shorter bike route that still tests you on the hills out to Widemouth Bay before hooking you back on the A39, and shorter run route that let’s you find your stride along the towpath before routing you back in to town via a very cheeky hill. Then the same glory run down to the canal lock and round to the finish by the little green.

His Kayak Leg

I liked that the transition zone and kayak entry are now on the other side of the canal, and that the one lap kayak route still works in three turns. I also liked coming second, but that may be a one-off as more accomplished athletes are drawn to this race, as I hope they are.

It was also great to see people attempting the sport that probably are unlikely to ever have entered the extreme  Standard…the Sprint is a real plus and my dream would be that Simon continues to run both the Sprint and Standard versions but that I guess will be based on the demand ….. and I was proud to have Won a great bespoke trophy, as ever!

Happy Quadding…. Russell

Final Trophy Standings 2025

Jean Ashley

Big Thanks to John Kavanagh for working out the Trophy Standings for us again in 2025, the Results are finally in! Remember its 3 races to count and you MUST be a BQA Member to be legible for a prize, if you win the Overall Prize we role down in your Age Group.

Huge Congratulations to Phillippe Jumeau,  and Helen Russell for taking to overall BQA Trophy Prizes! I’m really pleased for Phillippe, he has been involved in our sport for as long as I can remember … that’s at least 26 years, such a well deserved achievement Phil! Also congratulations to Helen who has now won the overall trophy several times! Your Trophies will be engraved and sent out to you along with a £30 BQA Clothing Voucher ASAP.

Well done also to our AGE GROUP WINNERS, they will all be receiving a £20 Clothing Voucher  ASAP

Men

Vet 50 Wayne Smith

Vet 60 (Role down) Graeme Tiffany

Vet 70 John Macadam

FEMALE

Under 23 Hermione Ball

Over 40 Tora Oetgen

Vet 50 (Role down) Caroline Jones

Vet 60 Janet Green

Final Results BQA Trophy 2025 final tables

BQA Trophy Points, with just Bude to Race!

Jean Ashley

The final race in our BQA National Trophy series  is taking place in Bude on 11th October ‘The Awesome Foursome’. On the Ladies side it looks like Helen Russell can not be beaten to take the overall Trophy, but there could be some ladies age group deciders depending on who races!

On the Men’s side it is very close, 3 have tied at the top of the table on 287,  and 1 person is just 7 points behind. There are also a few with good scores from 2 races, so the Bude results will be crucial, depending who races at this iconic end of season Quadrathlon!

Here is the link if you need to put your entry in!    Awesome-foursome-quadrathlon

TROPHY POINTS after 4 Races BQA Trophy 2025 4 of 6

Just to remind you: Trophies are awarded each year, provided each winner has done 3 races in the series, and MUST be a current BQA Member. (In the event of a tie the 4th race points will count to decide the winner). The overall BQA Trophy winners will receive only one prize, so a roll down will take place for their age group prize. PRIZES: Overall Winners Perpetual Trophy for Male and Female. BQA Kit vouchers for winners Male and Female in each age category, Juniors (u23), Seniors, V40+ V50+ V60+ Vet 70+ 

Big Thanks to ‘John Kavanagh’ for putting together the National Trophy and WQF Results, he compiles a list of all the quadrathletes, converts it to a spreadsheet and then updates the series after every race throughout the season. Its certainly a commitment during our the race season, and we are truly grateful for his work! THANKS JOHN on behalf of the BQA and all the competitors!

 

 

Brigg Sprint National Championships

Jean Ashley

Always one of the highlights of the quadrathlon race calendar, this year’s British Championship race took place on 7th September in Brigg, Lincolnshire. The 2025 national race was a sprint-distance format of 750m river swim, 4km kayak, 18km bike and 5km run and it also doubled up as the third race in the British Trophy Series.

In the run up to the race it wasn’t clear whether the format would be a river or pool swim due to the amount of weeds in the Ancholme but the call was made to start the race in the river. This made for a very challenging first leg with all athletes struggling to force their way through the weeds.

The women’s race was very close and arguably the most exciting of the day! Last year’s Brigg Sprint winner, Rose Durrant exited the river first, just 9 seconds ahead of seasoned quadder Helen Russell. About 2 miles into the bike leg Helen caught Rose and the riders battled each other with positions swapping until the half way point when Rose pulled away and created a lead going into the kayak leg of 21 seconds. Both athletes had to deal again with the weeds in the river but just after the half way mark Helen overtook Rose paddling almost two minutes faster. Helen managed to maintain her lead throughout the run leg completing the final disciple just one second quicker than Rose to finish in an overall time of 1 hour, 43 minutes, and 19 seconds. Rose took the silver in 1.44.46 and Tora Oetgen took the final podium place in 1.56.56. In just one year Rose has improved by 5 minutes and 21 seconds, an incredible advancement in just 12 months. Tora also showed a big improvement finishing 4 minutes 59 seconds quicker than last year. Helen and Rose’s times were so fast that they actually finished 3rd and 4th overall beating most of the men!

The men’s race didn’t see much changing of positions. Following on from his victory at Dearne Valley  Adam Norfolk was first out of the water and build on his lead throughout the race finishing in 1.28.50. Adam had the fastest time in all four disciplines. Nigel Unwin was the third male to exit the water but moved quickly into second place and comfortably stayed in that position throughout the race to take silver in 1.40.55 and the final podium place was taken by quadrathlon first time racer Richard Evans in 1.45.43. Welcome Richard to our sport!

Congratulations to our national champions Adam Norfolk and Helen Russell. Helen has now won the national title six times.

The first team was Red Roses and it was great to see team member and last year’s overall winner Erik Meilak returning to form after injury.

Massive Thanks to LincsQuad Quadrathlon Club for hosting the race, and  their wonderful team of organisers and marshalls who give up their time and work so hard to run this event and make it safe and fun for participants!

Results Sprint Brigg Results

Women Overall

1st Helen Russell 1.43.19 Masters 50

2nd Rose Durrant 1.44.46 Elite

3rd  Tora Oetgen 1.56.56 Masters 40

Under 20      Hermione Ball         01:57:38

Masters 40 (roll down) Emma Danforth  02:55:26

Masters 50 (roll down) Caroline Jones 02:44:33

Masters 60 Janet Green    02:19:42

 

Men Overall

1st Adam Norfolk 1.28.50 Masters 40

2nd Nigel Unwin 1.40.55 Masters 60

3rd Richard Evans 1.45.43 Elite

Masters 40 (roll down) Adam Draup       02:06:45

Masters 50 Wayne Smith   01:54:59

Masters 60 (roll down) Nicholas Farnell  01:49:32

Masters 70 John Mcadam 01:57:21

This was also the third in the Trophy Series which rewards consistency over the season, as athletes score points at races, with the points from the best three races to count towards the title. Some titles were decided at this race with results to be confirmed soon. With three wins Helen Russell has definitely taken the overall Series women’s title. The men’s title is yet to be decided and will come down to the final race of the season The Awesome Foursome on the 11th October.

Thanks to Helen Russell for the write up, full results and Trophy Standings will follow soon.

 

Final 2025 World Cup Results

Jean Ashley

Whilst the British National Trophy still has 2 Races left in the 2025 Series – Brigg Sprint 7th September and Bude’s Awesome Foursome – (see links below to enter) The World Cup Results have been finalized after 9 Races. Big Thanks to the Brigg Bomber and to Manvers Dearne Valley Quad for hosting our 2 World Cup Races, and to all our British Quadrathletes that took part and gave us valuable points which gave us 3rd place in the World Standings! 

brigg-bomber-sprint-distance-quadrathlon/

The-awesome-foursome-quadrathlon

WQF FINAL RESULTS FINAL WQF WORLD CUP after 9 races

Congratulations to our overall World Champions Ferenc Csima (HUN) and Susanne Walter (GER). Our best GB Result is Ian Cook (after 3 races) was 4h Overall, and Won his Masters 60 Age Group All participants of a world cup event are automatically listed for the world cup results if they fulfill the national terms and conditions. The number of competitions for one athlete is not limited. The best three races are counted (up to two results from one country).The winners get a high-quality glass cup (overall and age groups), the podium place winners will receive medals. ( An Athlete get trophies/medals only when he  has completed a minimum of 3 races.

WQF Team Trophy
National Quadrathlon Trophy: R10 National Trophy after 9 of 9

Congratulations to Germany who Won The National Quadrathlon Trophy (3900 pts) with CZE in second (3717pts) with GREAT BRITAIN just behind in third (1251pts)

This Trophy is will be awarded annually by the WQF. For each Nation, the highest number of points scored in the each of the 16 WQF age and gender categories by an individual national in any one World Cup race during the season will be totaled. If no individual from a nation is represented in an age/gender group, then zero points will be scored for that category.
The trophy will be held by the winning nation for one year. It will be that nation’s responsibility to ensure the trophy is available to be presented at the last race of the following season.

Next Event Lincsquad Festival of Sport including the Sprint Quad … Get your Entry in!

Jean Ashley

Fabulous News from our Lincqsquad Team – They are having a Festival of Sport 6th September 2025!

Lincsquad’s Keyo Brigg Sprint Latest News, ‘We are having a ‘Ready to Sprint Event with 5 Awesome Events’. We’ve bounced back from Brigg Bomber 2025 with FIVE epic events including 2 brand-new challenges!

The Quadrathlon: BQA NATIONAL TROPHY RACE The race consists of a 750m opening water swim in the river Ancholme followed by a 4km Kayak, 18km road cycle and finishing with a 5km road run. Subject to weather the swim may get changed to a 400m pool swim depending on the river temperature and condition, so please train and be prepared for both. A fantastic way to start your Quadrathlon journey or take your skills to the next level.

The course is flat, fast and ideal for both experienced quadrathletes and those wanting to race the shorter distance. (BQA Trophy Points will be awarded to this race only) brigg-sprint-quad details

The Triathlon: The Race consists of a 400m pool swim (16 lengths) in the Ancholme Leisure Centre’s 25m pool followed by a 18km road cycle and finishing with a 5km road run. The course is flat, fast and ideal for both experienced triathletes and newcomers to the sport. Lincsquad are also pleased to provide limited spaces for Standard and TriStar Teams were each team member will complete one leg: see website page for more details. Brigg-sprint-tri details

The Duathlon: race consists of a 2.5km run, 18km bike and 5k run. Great for beginners and a serious challenge for those looking to push their limits. The course is flat, fast and ideal for both experienced and novice athletes alike. Brigg-sprint-duathlon details

 

 

OUR NEW EVENTS –
The 2 Up Duathlon: race consists of a 2.5km run, 18km bike and 5k run and there’s 2 of you doing it! Great for pushing each other and having a bit of fun or competition!

Run together, Bike together (drafting not allowed!) then finish strong side by side!
Your team’s time is set when the second person crosses the line! This event is packed with action, camaraderie, and competition! Get involved and sign up NOW Let’s hear those team names! Who’s in? brigg sprint-duathlon-2 up


The Aquathon: Well Dive In Our Fifth Event Just Surfaced!  This race consists of a 400m swim followed by a 5km run. Call it splash and dash if you want to! One seriously refreshing combination, whether you glide like a dolphin or splash like an enthusiastic Labrador, this event’s for you! And don’t worry—wetsuits aren’t required and high-fives always welcome. brigg sprint-aquathon

Don’t just tread water—sign up now!
All the details are waiting here: Lincsquad Events
Any Questions send to: Lincsquadevents@gmail.com!

 

Awesome Foursome Quadrathlon with a NEW Sprint Course too ….. Get your Entry in!

Jean Ashley

The BQA are pleased to see that Bude Quad will be also adding a sprint course quad to your usual Awesome Foursome course.

The BQA have decided to include this as a separate race in the BQA trophy series and it will also get Trophy Points. As we did with the Brigg Bomber in June, who also ran two length courses. We will award slightly fewer points for the Sprint,  starting at 100 rather than 120, for the short course. This will help people only wanting to do sprint distance races to get 3 races in and be eligible for our National Trophy Prizes.
 

BUDE AWESOME FOURSOME 11th OCTOBER 2025 – Every year since 2002 we’ve run the Awesome Foursome Quadrathlon, an extreme multi-sport race for individuals, pairs and relay teams to enter. This is an established event in the British and European Quadrathlon calendar regularly being a World Cup ranking event or the European Short Course Championships.

The race makes the very most of Bude’s geography and features. The open water swim takes place within the shelter of Bude’s breakwater. The cycle ride includes some amazing coastal hills (including the 1 in 3 climb at Millook). The kayak leg takes place on the tranquil Bude canal. And the final run follows the canal towpath onto the coastal path and back to Bude. The fastest athletes will take around 3 hours to complete the course with most finished within 4 hours.

Route Description on YouTube

NEW for 2025: The Sprint

“A little smaller but just as Awesome”

This shorter-course quadrathlon will be run at the same time as the full Awesome Foursome but will be roughly half the distance. It will start with the main event and be based at the Canal Wharf but will follow similar routes for the swim, cycle, and run as the Shoreline Triathlon, therefore eliminating the severe cycling hills around Millook. The swim will be one lap of the Bay, the cycle ride will only go as far as the Widemouth Manor before returning to Bude on the A39, the Kayaking will be one lap of the canal and the Run will only go as far as Rodds Bridge before returning to Bude via Lynstone Road.

Entries for either event must be received in advance and you can register using this link RACE ENTRY Quadrathlon

Norfolk Super Heros

Jean Ashley

A few weeks ago, The Charity Norfolk Superheros Pairs Quadrathlon took place in Burnham Overy, the BQA support this event and once again it was another cracking year with demand as high as ever and a really fantastic day had by all!

Here is a brief WRAP-UP of the day. 2025 Norfok Superhero Event Wrap Up

VIDEO 2025: The link to this year’s video is Race Video and in the report. Massive thanks to the Media students at UEA who returned for a second year to document this year’s event. Their Superhero film captures the joy, grit, and goosebumps of the day.

 

CHARITY: We have reached a staggering £202,000, our third biggest raise to date. Every pound supports our mission to get Norfolk’s children active, confident, and healthy. From headline-making donations to quiet acts of generosity, this total reflects the Superhero community’s deep commitment to something bigger than the race. Feel free to spread the word about the Norfolk Superhero Fund Helping To Get Children Active. We welcome supporters and applicants for grant funding. More on this in the report.

NEXT YEAR: Next year’s Superhero will be on Saturday 20th June 2026. The date has not been announced yet, but as a key partner, we wanted to share this with you.

With our enormous thanks as ever. Have a wonderful Summer.

The Superhero HQ Team www.norfolksuperhero.co.uk

Latest WQF Results Race8/9

Jean Ashley

Thanks to John Kavanagh for producing the latest WQF Results after the 8th Race of the Series in Bydgoszcz, Poland. The final race of the WQF Series is the World Championship – Long Distance, (3.8k swim, 20k kayak, 92k cycle, 21.1k run) on 10th August in Nagyatád Gyékényes https://www.extrememan.hu/nagyatad

If you are following the World Cup Series here are the latest Results 

R9 World Cup Race Results race 8

R9 WQF World Cup Standings after 8 of 9

R9 National Trophy after 8 of 9

Deva Divas Quad 2025

Jean Ashley
Inspirational Race Briefing from Ravi

Another special Deva Divas the only Ladies Quadrathlon in the World, the 8th year in the making! The rain was torrential at 6.00am but by the time the athletes started to arrive it was only light drizzle, thankfully as the race got underway the rain cleared and the sunshine came out! But whatever the weather there was always going to be sunshine in everyone’s heart and as always plenty of very happy ladies!

Chester Kayak Group at the ready
Transition ready for Action
Kayak Transition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m very proud to be part of Chester Triathlon Club, and Sailing & Canoeing Chester Chester Canoeing and the ‘Special Team’ who gave up so much time to make this event ‘just one of the best!’ Big Thanks to John Hatton and Carol Hatton who played a huge part in coaching the Deva kayakers, and helped out all weekend to! Along with BQA members Dave Ashley, Lance Ball, David Jones, plus some extra help from Manvers! As always there are a long list of volunteers, and a Key Team who give so much time to make the Deva Divas Event so special, huge well done to our new Race Director Nicola Perrins, she left no stone unturned and everything went brilliantly!

Happy Manvers Finishers

19 years on and 8 years of Quadrathlon it’s been yet another memorable Race Day! Thank you to all you Deva Quad Girls for giving it your all, you pushed hard, smiled all the way and inspired many onlookers with your enthusiasm to take on 4 disciplines, it’s been a great pleasure to be part of your journey … and I’ll say it again, I’m so proud of you all … wear your T-Shirt & your medal – Bask in Your Glory … You did it!!✊ Don’t Cry because its over, Smile because it Happened!

There was some great competitive racing in the top half of the field, most have their own goals, agendas and ambitions, many race for charities but one thing is fore sure …. there are smiles all the way and every single one of those Devas are Winners! But Congratulations also must go to our Winner Rose Durrant, with Katy Walker in 2nd Place,  and BQA Member Tora Oetgen in 3rd place.

 

Full Results Deva-Divas-2025

Overall Rose Durrant, Katy Walker, Tora Oetgen

OVERAL WINNERS
1st Rose Durrant (Senior) – 2.00.25
2nd Katy Walker (Senior) – 2.08.00
3rd Tora Oetgen BQA (Vet 40) – 2.08.24 1st Vet 40

AGE GROUP WINNERS
3rd & 1st Vet 40 Tora Oetgen BQA – 2.08.24
4th & 1st Vet 60 Pauline Percy – 2.10.59
6th & 1st Vet 50 BQA Helen Adams – 2.11.20
32nd & 1st Vet 70 Gill Otto – 2.49.47

Seniors Rose, Katy & Lorna
Vet 40 Tora, Stefania & Lesley
Vet 50 Helen, Diane & Jacquline
Vet 60 Pauline, Liz & Coral
Vet 70 Gill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OUR SUPPORTIVE BQA MEMBERS 
11th Lorna Quinn BQA – 2.25.06
19th Janet Green BQA – 2.35.58
22nd Caroline Jones BQA – 2.40.43
23rd Geraldine Richards BQA – 2.40.48
39th Elaine Oliver BQA – 3.05.11

It was also great to see past BQA members – Liz Dawson (7th 2.13.34) Jacqueline Davies (16th 2.31.29) and Gill Otto (Vet 70- winner 2.49.47) who was the instigator of the fabulous Shrewsbury Quadrathlon, thank you for supporting the Deva Divas.

 

 

Watch our amazing Race Video … captures the Event Just Perfectly! https://www.facebook.com/devadivastri/videos/712810748054630

An amazing selection of photos available for Free Downlads THANKS Mick Hall Free Downloads – mickhallphotos.photohawk.com/galleries/deva-divas-2025

We have had some Amazing Race Tributes hear are just a few from the Wonderful Divas … Thank you Girls!

What an amazing day yet again doing the Deva Divas Quadathlon! The most friendly and inspiring event with incredible Marshalls and supporters, yes I’m well down in the second half of the finishers and I will admit getting down when others aren’t happy and yet they beat me hands down. But I have to remember that I’m fit and healthy enough to still take part. Thank to Marshalls who sorted me a new chip when I left mine at home! Thanks to the incredible Jean Ashley and Dave, Carol and John who coach us kayaking and give up race weekend as well. And to the other Diva Kayakers for their friendship. Thanks to Wrecsam Tri friends who marshalled or biked out to support us, when I was at the end of first lap and coming up the the finish and heard my name being shouted I felt like the luckiest girl in the world ❤️ …. Sue 

Just want to say a great big thankyou to everyone for putting on such a magnificent event. The organisation, Marshall’s, safety crew, volunteers and everyone worked so hard to ensure all competitors had the best experience ever. It was a joy to take part among such inspirational and motivating ladies, from the young and spritely to the old and definitely not past it! From start to finish there were words of encouragement and positivity from supporters and fellow competitors. Everyone had a chance to succeed at their own level and be proud at the finish. To anyone out there who is thinking about it…just do it! Another great big thanks! 👏👏👏 Geraldine
 
Thank you (and David Jones & Co. and Chester Tri Club) for yet another fabulous Deva Diva! Really appreciate all the hard work that goes into making this such a friendly and empowering event. So much inspiration out on that course 🤩 Love it and can’t wait for next year! Tora
 

I am a member of Lymm Tri – we were there in force. This event is our reason for existing. Its a magical, life affirming experience and I will be there next year xxx Nicola

It was the best experience. I loved every minute. Thank you so much to everyone that made it happen. The marshals were so lovely and encouraging. Thanks again I will wear my t-shirt with so much pride 🤩 Deb

Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who helped me achieve something yesterday that I never imagined I could do your all amazing see you next year 💖 Nicola

The Ever Enthusiastic Team Manvers, inspirational ladies in fine form!
Feeling Proud
I’m Still looking for words after reading so many wonderful messages from my Deva Diva Quadrathletes, as always there have been so many inspiring journeys that the ladies have taken to get to that start line. A huge well done to every one of you, It was so emotional watching you all. Finish lines are incredible places to be on, for many it’s only the start, their comfort zones are truly left behind and new seeds of courage and determination arrive! 💜 Keep pushing those boundaries girls and see you Next Year! 
Jean XX