Last updated 10:22, Friday, 09 January 2009

HEXHAM-BASED One Life Racing dominated the regional awards night of the British Triathlon Association at Ramside Hall, Durham.

A gathering of the North East’s finest triathletes assembled to see the awards handed out by British Triathlon’s Georgie Rutherford, with the assistance of British Olympian Alistair Brownlee.

The evening started with a questions and answer session from Alistair, who gave valuable advice and encouragement to the future Olympians in the audience.

One Life Racing picked up a total of eleven awards.

Honours went to junior triathletes Abigail Thompson (third in the girls’ TriStar 1 category over the full season), Fergus Robinson (second TriStar 1 boys) Finlay Robertson (third TriStar 1 boys) and Mark Todhunter (third TriStar 3 boys).

A special award was presented to Katie Smith for Young Volunteer of the Year.

Katie was rewarded for her hours of dedication to the sport, behind the scenes - marshalling and event organising.

As expected, the senior members of One Life were also honoured.

World Age Group champion Barry Jameson, of Bardon Mill, collected the Coach of the Year award while Alan Copland, of Hexham, collected three awards.

Alan won the Senior Men’s Grand Prix, for the best of five races, winning four and coming second in the other.

He was also the overall men’s Grand Prix winner, as well as being crowned North- East Olympic Distance champion after winning the Prince Bishops triathlon.

Rob West collected the trophy for being sprint distance triathlon champion by winning the Cleveland short course race.

The evening was a huge success and culminated the end of another spectacular year for One Life Racing and the ever growing sport of triathlon.

One Life now has over 160 members ranging from age 8 to over 70. The club has competed on behalf of the region worldwide.

Next year holds even more promise, with club members aiming to compete in the national, European and world championships.