Athletes brave testing conditions at Triathlon Championships

The 2026 edition of the Isle of Man Triathlon Championships took place in Ramsey on Sunday.

Organised by the Manx Tri Club and sponsored by billboards.im, the eagerly-anticipated event drew competitors from across the island to tackle both standard and sprint distance courses in demanding conditions.

Competitors faced an exceptionally challenging day on the northern coast, battling strong, gusty winds and choppy waters during the opening swim leg.

The rolling waves tested the grit and technical skills of every swimmer before they transitioned onto the exposed bike and run routes, making this year's championship a true test of endurance and resilience.

It was a family affair in the flagship solo standard triathlon, as husband and wife duo Andy and Clara Isaac swept the top step in both the male and female individual categories.

Andy put in an impressive performance to claim overall victory in two hours 17 minutes and 37 seconds, while Clara dominated the female field, finishing an impressive third overall among all competitors in 2hr 32m 05s.

Adding to a memorable day, Clara was also awarded the Park Award this year in recognition of her outstanding support and contribution to the island triathlon community.

Further highlighting the team standard event was a standout victory by 'Ledley King’, featuring professional triathletes Chloe Sparrow and Will Draper.

The win marked an exciting return to racing for Sparrow following her recent recovery from knee surgery. Demonstrating world-class resilience and pace, Sparrow and Draper dominated the standard relay distance to claim first place overall.

In the solo sprint triathlon, victory belonged to Nick Ardern and Kiera Prentice, who delivered tactical performances to take first place in the male and female categories respectively.

The sprint race carried additional weight for competitors this year, serving as a key selection and benchmark event for the selection committee when determining the squad for the upcoming 2027 Island Games in the Faroe Islands.

Ardern crossed the line in 1hr 11m 22s to secure top spot, while Prentice put in a stellar run to lead the female field, stopping the clock at 1hr 19m 57s.

Adding to the pedigree of the sprint discipline, team winners 'Brian, Jackie, Peter' featuring Brian Draper, Jackie Kennaugh and Peter Kennaugh brought top sporting genetics to the fore, underscoring the high calibre of athletic prowess present across the day's racing.

The podium finishers across each category were as follows:

Solo, standard triathlon (1,500m swim): Male/Open 1, Andrew Isaac 2hr 17m 37s; 2, Nathan Draper 2:19.56; 3, Russell Collister 2:33.41 (fourth overall).

Female 1, Clara Isaac 2:32.05s (third overall); 2, Sophie Acton 2:52.05 (eighth overall); 3, Charlotte Casement 3:05.40s (11th overall).

Solo, sprint triathlon (750m swim): Male/Open 1, Nick Ardern 1:11.22; 2, Harry Kinley 1:12.47; 3, Cameron Leslie 1:13.49.

Female 1, Kiera Prentice 1:19.57 (eighth overall); 2, Vicki Rawlinson 1:29.21 (15th overall); 3, Katie Ardern 1:30.08s (17th overall).

Team, standard triathlon (1,500m swim): 1, Ledley King; 2, Activ8 Returns; 3, Speedy Reedy and the Tram.

Team, sprint triathlon (750m swim): 1, Brian, Jackie, Peter.

The organisers extend their sincere thanks to title sponsor billboards.im for supporting the event, as well as the marshals, safety kayaks and spectators who braved the conditions to support the athletes.