M3 - Monifieth Triathlon Club

06/10/2026

On 24 September 2026, three M3 members went off to Pontevedra, Spain, to compete in the WTCS Age Group Finals. Here is Patricia Maxwell's report!

"READY, STEADY, GO! 🇬🇧🏊‍♀️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♀️

And just like that, M3 are off again! This time it was Norry, Tracey, Stewart and my turn – off to Pontevedra, Spain 🇪🇸 for the World Triathlon Championship Series Age Group Finals! 🌍 .

With around 4,650 athletes from 62 nations taking part, Norry, Tracey and I were among more than 3,500 Age-Group athletes competing over the Sprint distance, while Stewart took on the very important role of our support team! 🙌

Pontevedra was buzzing throughout the five days, welcoming athletes from across the world. The Opening Ceremony was particularly special, with around 2,700 athletes taking part in the Parade of Nations, marching by continent – the largest parade in World Triathlon Series history. What an atmosphere! 🇬🇧🌍

We had spent the past year training towards this moment, and suddenly it was real!

Our familiarisation swim in the River Lérez before race day helped to settle some nerves about the strength of the current. Then came the cycle-route recce – which made us realise just how steep that bike climb was going to be! 😳

Then it was race day!

🏊‍♀️ 750m swim
🚴‍♀️ 20km draft-legal bike
🏃‍♀️ 5km run

The swim went well, and then it was onto the bike. Unfortunately, Tracey lost some time when she had to refit her bike chain – one of those things you simply can’t plan for!

At one point on the bike, I approached a cyclist who was swerving across the road, making very loud noises and looking as though he was struggling. I was concerned he might come off, so after safely getting past him, I alerted the next marshal I saw so they could check that he was okay.

And then came that exhilarating downhill section! 🚴‍♀️💨 I reached a maximum speed of 62 km/h – definitely a moment that got the heart racing! 😳

Finally, onto the 5km run – two laps through the beautiful streets of Pontevedra. I was delighted to find that I ran better than I expected. ❤️

At one point during the uphill section of the bike, I deliberately reminded myself to look around and enjoy the experience. After all those months of training, it was important to stop for a moment and take in the fact that I was actually there – racing for GB at a World Championship! 🇬🇧❤️

Our race results

Tracey
🏊‍♀️ Swim – 19:52
🚴‍♀️ Bike – 48:20
🏃‍♀️ Run – 25:54
⏱️ Overall – 1:43:45

Norry
🏊‍♂️ Swim – 14:39
🚴‍♂️ Bike – 37:46
🏃‍♂️ Run – 22:27
⏱️ Overall – 1:22:38

Patricia
🏊‍♀️ Swim – 17:50
🚴‍♀️ Bike – 44:30
🏃‍♀️ Run – 29:46
⏱️ Overall – 1:43:05

And on a very personal note, this journey simply wouldn’t have been possible without Stewart. ❤️

He believed in me from the beginning and supported and encouraged me throughout all those months of training. He also took on the very important jobs of getting me – and my bike! – to the start line and safely home again. I couldn’t have asked for a better supporter.

I’m incredibly proud of what I achieved, but even more grateful for the whole experience. ❤️

And on behalf of Tracey, Norry and myself, a huge thank you to everyone who has been part of our training journey – our coaches, training partners, friends and family – and to everyone who sent messages, good-luck wishes and words of encouragement.

Every single one meant so much to us. 🙏❤️

We trained for it. We travelled for it. We raced for it.

And now…

World Championships DONE… and what an experience! 🌍🏊‍♀️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♀️🇬🇧❤️"

03/10/2026

On Sunday 13 Sept M3 members Ricky Warden and Jacqui Glencross competed in the Ironman 70.3 Sunshine Coast in Australia!

Here are their reports:
First up - Ricky's:
"Crikey! The day is finally here, one pep talk from Ewan the day before and enough nerves to walk me up at 4am and away we go!
Fuelled on too many chicken parmys and Aussie b**r, it's race morning and once again I have the fear (and a bit of a cold to boot)!
We're up and out the door, things in transition and on a beach looking at the sea! Is the song Down under or Drown under who knows! And we're off. Swim a little choppy but done!
The bike, started with a hill nasty little critta that, and a mechanical early on I had to use my toolkit and fix the bike seat! Then the rain, sunshine coast more like sunshy coast.
But we move, taking water and electrolytes at each station the motorway became motor-hey!
Back into the town and onto the run, Jacqui has caught me! And we run together, but like my fear of spiders mine were realised cramp and sunburn setting in we finish the run.
Crossing the line together, well we've got a new photo for the house and an amazing holiday! What a GoodDay mate that was!"

And now Jacqui's version:
"After a 4am alarm and listening to Ricky's nervous whining for about a week, I was keen to cross that start line!
Once in my waves starting pen (away from the hyperventilating Ricky), I settled my nerves by making a few first timer friends. We discussed how the hell we ended up on this start line and how did 1.9k look so far when the bouys are spread out on front of you.
The beep went and I'm off. I've already bought the t-shirt so better get on with it I thought. I personally thought you were supposed to swim the most direct route but the people zigzagging infront of me must have been following a different strategy. I survived the swim without getting kicked in the face or getting attacked by a shark. Pretty happy.
Through the mud bath that was transition and onto my hire bike which was much nicer than my own. As someone who grew up near Box Hill, I'd hardly call that slope, Ricky mentioned, a hill. But closed roads are a dream! When I saw Ricky for the first time, my first thought was "he really isn't good at cycling", not "maybe he's had a mechanical". But it was nice (I think for both of us) to know the other one was still going. By the second downpour I did start to question my choices but I made it back into T2 a full half an hour quicker than I was expecting.
Through the mud bath again and out onto the run where I saw a familiar smiley face. We never planned to do the race together, in fact the thought of trying to stick to the same pace as Ricky, or anyone, for that amount of time filled me with dread. But by the time we were both getting sunburnt on the run and we were wanting it all be over, having the support definitely made a big difference. We both struggled round, sometimes plodding along together and sometimes apart. For some reason they put a hill at 20k! But after that it was time to bring it home. As you can see from my face in the photos, I was over the moon crossing that line!
I've already been asked if I'd do it again and the answer is yes but for now I will wait till my race number tan line fades and continue to reminisce about the time I went to Australia to do my first 70.3."

15/09/2026

Welcome to new club member Peter Goudie, who has just completed the Rat Race Coast to Coast 2026: "a 100-mile multisport adventure combining trail running, cycling and kayaking through rugged mountain landscapes, remote glens and legendary Scottish scenery", so a triathlon of sorts, but with kayaking instead of swimming (that may appeal to a lot of triathletes! 😉)
Here is his report:

"My triathlon journey began 18 months ago when one of the parents at M3 youth pickup convinced me to enter the Montrose Novice race. Having been a dedicated golfer my whole life, and otherwise having neglected my health and fitness for 20+ years, it was just the right time to begin my midlife crisis. Safe to say things have fairly spiralled out of control since then! This year I’ve raced Outlaw 70.3, Monikie Standard and Forfar Sprint triathlons, and this weekend I took part in my first adventure race - Rat Race Coast to Coast Scotland.

I have had expert coaching from M3 coach Jamie for the past year.

I entered the race with my school friend Andrew, and we were expertly hosted by Paul who acted as support crew with his camper van. This really made life so much easier logistically and we were spoilt for sure.

Andrew and I are well matched, and doing such a long event as a pair was so much more appealing than a 100 mile slog solo.

The race start was 6.15am in Nairn, which meant an early wake up and breakfast. I’ve typically struggled to eat well before races due to nerves, but with no terrifying open water swim to come (my swimming is a work in progress!) I was feeling pretty relaxed. Spoiler alert, I underestimated just how extreme this challenge would prove to be!

The first run was 11km trail alongside a river, and was along an uneven narrow path with tree roots etc, given that it was dark this made life difficult but we managed to arrive in T1 at Cawdor Castle in good time.

The 123km bike leg consisted of approximately 85km on road and 38km gravel path, and although elevation was not insignificant, the rain had started (and would stay on most of the rest of the day), and the 20mph gusting to 40mph SW wind meant the entire bike was straight into the headwind. This was just as mentally draining as it was physically, and at times it felt like the bike leg was never going to end. We just had to keep telling each other it was just as hard for everyone else also.

We arrived into a very busy Fort William, and after waiting patiently in traffic reached T2. It was such a relief to get off the bike, and surely a 23km trail run with a little elevation would be no big deal?

The run started well, and the jelly legs from the bike quickly settled. We were feeling good, and were sitting in 6/7 place, 40 minutes or so behind the lead pack of 5. At this point we had no expectations other than a solid finish but Jamie, who had been keeping an eye on the GPS tracking, had messaged to say our pace seemed better than those ahead.

The run was incredibly hard, steep slopes, uneven paths and river crossings. I was also starting to feel under fuelled but a horrible stitch was brewing and I was nervous to take on more calories. It was almost a relief each time we arrived at a steep section as it meant a power walk rather than running, and fortunately I was able to force down some jelly babies and find my second wind. Our spirits were also lifted each time we passed a marshall and were updated on our progress, a 40 minute deficit became 30, then 20, then 10. We felt like we were struggling, but clearly so was everyone else.

The final climb to the top of the mountain section was incredibly tough, but at the summit we were told the lead group was only 5 minutes ahead and for the first time in over 8 hours we could see them. Andrew and I had joked for months about a scenario where there was a kayak sprint to the finish line, and this is exactly what was unfolding! We raced down the bog of a hillside (which put me on my backside 3 times) and jumped into our 2 person Kayak. We had a laugh to ourselves when we were instructed to have the more experience kayaker at the back, difficult to do when basically neither of us had ever been in a kayak in our lives! Despite this, we believed for the first time the race was truly on, and our first ever VO2 Kayak began - 1 mile to go! Learning on the job was a risky tactic, but it was working; we passed 2 kayaks early on and with 100m to go we took the lead for the first time. We managed to scramble ashore and sprint the 200m to the finish line. Incredible really that a near 10 hour race came down to the last few paddle strokes.

Rat Race Coast to Coast was a brilliant event, fantastically organised and a wonderful route through the country. It certainly has given me a taste for other adventure races next year. For now it will be a winter of training and learning to swim properly on a Wednesday evening at Olympia. Hope to see you all there!"

09/09/2026

Congratulations to M3 triathlete, Robert Harrison!
He is Scottish Champion for Standard Distance Triathlon in the Open 50-54 Age Category. 🎉🥇

You braved some considerable chop to take the 🫅 at our National Championships event for Standard Distance Triathlon at Knockburn Sports Loch!
Thanks again to our fantastic club hosts Fleet Feet Triathletes and well done again to everyone involved!

04/09/2026

Last weekend Stewart Maxwell travelled to Poland to compete in the Ironman 5150 Poznan, supported by Patricia.

Here is his report!

"M 5150 Poznan, Poland
---------------------------
Possibly more of a travelogue than race report! It’ll take you longer to read this than it took me to do the event!

Poznań, Poland is a 2 hour flight from Edinburgh and accommodation is cheap! For those that don’t know the 5150 is Ironman’s version of a standard distance triathlon. Having done the West Friesland 5150 twice before and enjoyed it a lake swim, flat cycle and flat run sounded attractive. Did I mention it was cheap to enter?

The swim lake was quite a distance from the Enea Stadium where transition 2 bike to run was located. On Sunday morning I joined the other 5150 competitors boarding a specially chartered train at 06:22 to take us to the lake. That was novel! I checked my bike, pumped up the tyres and did a final run through with my transition bag. Wetsuit on and a casual walk down to the water’s edge. It was all very relaxed! A quick familiarisation swim and back on the bank and joined the starting lines. They were starting groups of 6 people at 10 second intervals. I deliberately moved forward whilst clocking the other competitors. Did they look like they could beat me? Were they chancing their arm? I was to find out soon enough! I Soon it was my turn to go. The horn went and I ran forward into about 1 foot of water - no point in swimming so I waded out about 25m before easing into the swim. All around people were leaping about in a kind of weird butterfly stroke standing up then diving forward etc.

The water was dark, the weather was overcast and people were swimming everywhere but straight! Very soon I found myself boxed in behind slow swimmers. As a result I had to stop and figure out the way forward. I did but it did put me off. However I did settle into it and got through the rest of the swim without issue. Out of the water I quickly had my suit half off and headed for transition one which was unhelpfully up a hill. I was puffed out when I got to the rack. Quick change to cycle gear, stow swim gear and run to bike and out - again up another hill!

Bike course (40K) was pretty straightforward. However there were at least 20 speed bumps in the early part of the course. The rest was pretty flat along tree lined roads. I passed the time looking at my wee Garmin Edge watching the distance and trying to maintain my speed. The other thing I noticed was the high number of moto officials- they were everywhere! Having received a 5 minute penalty for drafting at Ironman Italy I was very careful!

Into transition 2, bike racked, quick change and out on the run. At this point the sun came out and it was noticeably warmer. The run route (twice for 5150 and four times for 70.3) involved a lot of doubling back, 180 turns but had no hills. What was good was the music. At one place there was a live drummer, with backing and a guy rapping in Polish. He was still at it when I finished! The 2 laps took us into the large Enea Stadium and that’s where you finished. It was good with all the noise and atmosphere. Over the line, grab your medal and out! Patricia had been tracking me on the app and was able to tell at different points where I was in the age group. After a couple of non alcoholic b**rs and a massage I was able to see I was first in the age group. As we were waiting for the presentation the MC guy initially said “next up the oldest participants”. This was suddenly changed to “most experienced”!

All in all another fun outing. On reflection I probably shouldn’t have done the 5K “Night Run” at 10pm on the Friday or the 5K Parkrun first thing on the Saturday morning but it’s all about the experience! Pleased to say no more triathlons this year! Thanks again to Patricia for shouting loudly at me at every opportunity - much appreciated!

p.s. the goody bag included a bag of pasta in the shape of runners, cyclists and swimmers"

23/08/2026

Five M3 athletes competed at the Aberfeldy MultiSport Festival (including National Champs for Middle Distance Triathlon) last weekend (Sunday 16 August), with great success. Read on for a great race report from Niall Deuchar!

Middle Distance Aquabike
------------------------------
🥇 - Filippo Binanti was first in Open Senior 2 and 10th overall.

Tri Scotland National Champs Middle Distance Triathlon
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🥉 - Juliette Simpson was 3rd in Female Senior 2
🥉 - Angus Millar was 3rd in Open Senior 3 and 10th overall
🥇 - Robert Harrison was 1st in Open Vet 3 and 6th overall

Niall Deuchar also competed in his first 70.3 and enjoyed this great event - see his report below!

Aberfeldy Middle Distance - Race Report - Niall Deuchar
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"I set myself a personal goal to do a half Ironman before I turned 40, a goal to be honest, I thought would never realistically happen.

However after the M3 festival (fantastic event) where I completed my first standard triathlon. I had such a buzz that I thought, it is now or never. So I signed up for the Aberfeldy Middle Distance a few days after.

I had banked a good amount of training preparing for the standard so thought a few extra weeks of intensive training should be fine.

The day before the race I had to pick up my race pack and set up T2. This was a strange concept and didn’t help with my pre race nerves. However a quick photo of the contents of my bag (Maggie’s idea), I was then able to reassure myself I had everything I needed.

I stayed the night before at my granny’s house in Pitlochry. The drive to the Kenmore on race day was very subdued, it was also very surreal driving in the pitch black during the summer. All I was thinking about was can I actually do this.

As I arrived, the rain started. So I just put my wetsuit on and walked to T1 to set up my bike stuff. Once this was done I did start to relax and remind myself that I am prepared and ready. I kept on repeating in my head I am prepared, I am relaxed, I am strong. This helped with the nerves.

However the sudden realisation of what I was about to do sunk in when I was standing on the shore of Loch Tay. The scenery was spectacular, the loch very still with the mist rolling down the hills. Stunning. It was a shame I couldn’t see a thing as soon as I took my glasses off…..

The swim, which I was dreading, went very well, I would even go to say I actually enjoyed it. The wind was calm and the water a warm 17 degrees. I completed the swim a lot faster than I expected and a PB.

T1 went well, and I was glad to be reunited with my glasses. I was then able to see that the mist had started to disappear and the hills become visible. I loaded up on some hydration precision chews and then set off on my bike.

The bike course was my favourite part (once I got over the first climb out of Kenmore, which went on for ages). Once at the top I was able to relax and pick up the pace. The scenery was exceptional, even though the weather was overcast but crucially, no wind. It felt humbling rolling into Kinloch Rannoch, a place I called home when I was younger. It brought back wonderful memories as child growing up there. These memories stayed with me as continued at a decent pace around the loch. Then came the Schiehallion climb from the other direction. To be honest I thought it was ok, I enjoyed and actually managed to pass people which felt great. Once over the hill, it was then a sprint to T2. It was a welcome surprise and relief to see my wonderful support crew (my family) cheer me on as I came into T2.

T2 went well, although I did need a pit stop. In my haste to leave T2, distracted by my Garmin and high fiving my kids I had a wee stumble, no harm done so off I went on the run.

A simple out and back. The course was spectacular and the weather perfect for running. By this point I was starting to feel tired. I had gone too fast on the bike and my legs were heavy. There were no water cups on the course and we were encouraged to take our own soft flasks. This slowed me down waiting to fill them up, this didn’t help my legs. However as I was on the return leg my nutrition on the bike started to kick in and I was able to pick up the pace and run faster towards the end. The course was also more undulating than I thought which also didn’t help. The finish line was near and I had an overwhelming feeling of excitement and sheer emotion. I am actually going to do this, and I did. I crossed the line in 6 hours and 10mins.

I loved every part of it, the event was well organised, the marshals very friendly and supportive and the course stunning, helped by perfect weather conditions. My only slight frustration was there was no medal, however I do have a t-shirt.

What next…. still have a couple of years to go before I turn 40….. maybe a??? 🤔 surely not…."

21/08/2026

Robert Harrison wins his age category in the 2026 Scottish National Middle Distance Triathlon Championships. Yay 🎉🥇.

07/08/2026

Here is a great race report from Iona MacDougall - looking back at the Celtic Cup 27 June 2026.

"Three Monikie Triathlon Club (M3) members competed at the Llandudno Triathlon which hosted the inaugural Celtic Cup. The Celtic Cup consisted of age group members competing for their respective countries: Scotland, Ireland and Wales.

The qualifying race for the Scotland athletes was hosted by the M3 team at Monikie back in back in July 2025. The Celtic Cup was originally planned to take place last October 2025 but had to be moved due to a weather warning.

Now in sunny June 2026, the wind was still causing problems for the organisers and unfortunately (or fortunately if you’re like me and can’t swim), the swim was reduced from 1500m to 750m.

It did however make the cycle a little challenging with a four loop lap round a very steep hill into the wind !

The run was four laps of the promenade, which was mundane and did make it feel like the run was never going to end. However it did mean you got to run past the supporters four times which made it more bearable.

Mark and David did the M3 colours and Scotland kit proud both with fantastic performances, as shown below!

Mark McIntosh - 1st Open 50-54 in a time of 2:16:45
David Stewart - 2nd Open 60-64 in a time of 2:24:27
Iona MacDougall - 2nd Female 20-24 in a time of 2:30:19

Well done to both Mark and David and thanks again to all that helped the three of us qualify by helping and volunteering at the M3 triathlon event

03/08/2026

03/08/2026