My First Race – By Jessica Stewart, aged 7.
It was the morning of my first duathlon and I was very excited. We packed the car and set off to Scampton. The race was on the RAF base and we had to go past a red arrow, two tanks and two bombs.
I had to register and get a number on my hand, two numbers to fasten to my t-shirt and one for my bike. I also had to put a timing chip onto my left ankle and I got a t-shirt.
We were waiting outside and it was really rainy, cold and windy. I was so cold and could not feel my fingers. I then had to practice the bike route and about 100 people cycled together and it was a little scary. I then had to put my bike in transition. It was so cold now and I was crying and did not want to do the race anymore.
It was then time to go to the start line and they did some warm ups with us. Then it was time to run, I wasn’t sure where to go, so I stayed at the back. When it was time to get on my bike, my fingers were so cold I couldn’t fasten my helmet, so I had to get a Marshall to help me. The bike race went really quick, but again I couldn’t take my helmet off when we finished, so I had to wait for help. I set off on the second run and it was easier than the first and I went past some people.
I was then given a shiny new medal!
I then went and got a hot chocolate with marshmallows and cream to warm me up.
I came eighth overall out of seventeen and was the fourth girl in a time of 10 minutes 35 seconds.
I really enjoyed it in the end and I am looking forward to my next one at Wakefield. Hopefully it will be warmer.