Celtman Extreme Triathlon

Race Date: 14 June 2025

The Celtman Triathlon as one of the most demanding multi-discipline events in Europe, comprising an exceptionally tough 3.4 km open water swim across Loch Shieldaig accompanied by the local jellyfish population, followed by a 200 km bike ride around the Highlands with 2200m of ascent, and then a marathon up and down Beinn Eighe with 1600m of climb.

For a wee club, we have had decent showings at this event in previous years, and this year was no different. Two Harriers completed this substantial challenge, with Jon Turnbull recording a half-hour improvement on his time from last year, finishing in 13:16:24 for the blue high course to take 12th place (and again, a significant improvement from his still-impressive 19th in 2024). Rhian Evans also recorded a great finish, on the ‘white - low course’, in 15:33:04 and in 154th place out of 197 finishers this year. Well done, both, on excellent multi-discipline performances!

From Katy Turnbull: Celtman 2025: always such an incredible event! Jon had probably his best swim yet in a time of 49.49 for the 3.2km. His bike was strong at the start, struggled in the middle and had to dig deep, he managed a good finish completing the 200km in 6hrs and 36min. Trainers on at T2 and he was back in familiar territory, a packed hill running calendar proved excellent training for the rugged course. Jenny Wallace met him at T2A as top support runner for the mountain section. Her motivation and enthusiasm was appreciated by everyone at transition and along the way. The marshals at Ruadh-Stac Mor especially enjoyed her encouraging Jon to have a bit of a rave to the music. Once off the mountain and on to the road section Jenny swapped with Harris and he paced his dad home with his unique brand of motivation making the last 8km look like a walk in the park (Harris did anyway). Run completed 5hrs 13mins.

Rhian was supported along the way by the machine that is Emily Greaves. 

The men's race was won by Fergus Roberts in 10.50.04 and the women's race was won by Linda Duncan in 12.08.47.