2025 Race Report

The 2025 Superfeet Sandman Triathlon & Duathlon returned for its 15th edition in the stunning setting of Newborough Forest and Traeth Llanddwyn. In the days leading up to the event, forecasts of wet and windy weather kept both athletes and organisers on edge, with contingency plans carefully put in place behind the scenes. Yet race morning told a very different story. As the sun rose, competitors were greeted by bright blue skies, warm sunshine, and calm waters—a gift from the elements that set the stage for fast, competitive racing. From first-timers to seasoned veterans, the sense of anticipation was palpable, and the stage was perfectly set for another memorable chapter in the Sandman’s history.

The Sandman event also marked an epic conclusion to our 2025 Adventure Series! Over 70 incredible athletes took on the challenge of all three of our adventure triathlons this year—starting with the Slateman in June, conquering the Snowman in August, and finishing strong with the Sandman this weekend.

LEGEND TRIATHLON

The day began at 8:30am with 60 legend (70.3) athletes taking to the water first. Richard Higgins stamped his authority on the race, emerging from the water in 32:40 before producing a commanding 2:30:43 bike split. He closed with a swift 1:28:27 run to take a dominant victory in 4:34:53. His win was made even more special as it became a family affair: Richard’s father, Chris, competed in the Standard Triathlon, storming to victory in the 70+ age group, while Chris’s wife, Fenella Higgins, raced the Sprint Triathlon and also claimed her age-group win.

Behind Richard, Matthew Cox exited the swim in 30:18 and pushed through a 2:44:43 bike before a determined 1:36:09 run secured second in 4:55:46. Ruairidh Penman matched Cox in the water and on the bike, but his 1:39:23 run left him third in 4:58:55.

In the women’s race, Fiona McDonald impressed with a 35:41 swim, 3:04:33 bike, and 1:51:48 run to win in 5:36:05. Gillian Jakeman, who was also contesting the Adventure Series and ultimately took the overall Legend Series crown, fought through a 3:07:08 bike and tough 2:00:28 run to claim second in 5:59:12. Katy Oates rounded out the podium in 6:14:49.

STANDARD TRIATHLON

Second to enter the water were the two waves of standard athletes. Chris Standidge of Total Tri Training, a regular winner of this event, was unstoppable. He emerged strongly from the water in 21:34, then powered through the fastest bike split of the day in 1:05:52. A 40:20 run sealed his latest victory in 2:10:16. Tomos Hales of Wrekinsport Triathlon stayed in contention with a balanced performance, his 1:07:10 bike and equal 40:20 run securing second in 2:13:16. Carl Shaw was close behind, starting with a sharp 21:16 swim and steady 1:08:27 bike before holding third with a 40:54 run, finishing in 2:13:53. Carl was also competing in the Adventure Series and took the win for this in the standard race.

In the women’s race, Hayley Wells of Wrekinsport Triathlon dominated, overcoming a 28:49 swim with a strong 1:14:50 bike and 43:37 run to take victory in 2:29:25. Ffion Evans who was also completing in the adventure series race and took the overall win in the Standard female race series shone with a consistent effort across all legs, highlighted by a 49:04 run, finishing second in 2:53:16. Rounding out the podium, Jenny Winstanley of Total Tri Training combined a smooth 28:07 swim and steady 1:31:03 bike, crossing the line in 3:05:45.

SPRINT TRIATHLON

The Sprint race was the last to enter the water. In the open field, it was local athlete Huw Jack Brassington who set the tone with a sharp 12:59 swim before extending his lead on the bike with a 41:54 split. He sealed victory with a 23:11 run, finishing in 1:20:31. John Connolly (who was racing in the adventure series and took the win in that event ) stayed close with solid consistency across all three legs, highlighted by a 44:01 bike, securing second in 1:24:40. Tim Coolican of Cheltenham Triathlon Club matched Connolly in the water and on the bike, his 44:10 cycle keeping him in contention, before rounding off the podium in 1:25:32.

The women’s race saw rising star Evie Bayman of Menai track and field dominate, clocking a steady 17:00 swim, then powering through the bike in 55:33 and closing with a 27:10 run to win in 1:42:47. Abbey Bonner impressed with a 16:40 swim and 52:27 bike, finishing second in 1:44:16. Eleanor Lampard completed the top three with a 51:58 bike and 31:48 run, taking third in 1:44:45.

SPRINT DUATHLON

Starting alongside the sprint triathlon was the sprint duathlon, where more than 45 athletes set off under the gantry to begin their first run.

From the start, Toby Williams of Velotik Racing Team looked in control. A sharp first run and powerful ride set him apart, and though the chasers closed in late, his composure carried him to victory in 1:09:50—the only sub-70-minute finish of the day.

Behind him, Jonathan Girvan of Chester Triathlon Club made his mark with the fastest opening run and held his place with a determined final push to secure second in 1:12:15. Just four seconds later, Torfaen Triathlon’s Iwan Morton stormed through the last run to take third in 1:12:19, completing a thrilling men’s podium.

In the women’s race, Claire Donnelly stamped her authority early and never looked back. Her strength on the bike gave her a clear lead, and she powered home in 1:27:47 to take a decisive win. Chasing hard, Brooklyn Wright matched her early but faded slightly on the final run, finishing second in 1:29:33. Nicola Parry dug deep throughout, holding her rhythm to claim third in 1:34:20.

The Sandman was also the finale of the 2025 Adventure series, the combination of Slateman, Snowman & Sandman event results for those registered for the series. It has been a brilliant series with some impressive racing, and there was a great crowd at the prize-giving, celebrating the achievement of all those who had taken part and some amazing prizes were awarded to our winners. The results of this event can be seen below.

Always Aim High Events Head of Operations Claire Stones shared her thoughts on the Superfeet Sandman Triathlon, saying: “The Superfeet Sandman is a race like no other. Traeth Llanddwyn is a truly special place, and we feel incredibly fortunate to host this event here.

The race strikes the perfect balance between being both challenging and welcoming, drawing in first-timers as well as seasoned athletes. Year after year, participants return—and it’s easy to see why. Traeth Llanddwyn is unique, and the Superfeet Sandman is more than just a race; it’s an unforgettable experience.

We extend our deepest gratitude to every athlete who took part, along with their supportive families and friends. Despite difficult conditions during set-up the day before, and forecasts predicting poor weather, our team planned ahead, and to be greeted with such stunning race-day conditions was a real delight.

We are also incredibly thankful to our title partner, Superfeet, for their invaluable sponsorship, as well as to our other race sponsors, the local Newborough community, and Natural Resources Wales, for their continued support.

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated team, marshals, and volunteers—your hard work and commitment make this event possible every year.”

Selected 2025 Superfeet Sandman Triathlon & Duathlon results:

Sprint Triathlon Open 👏
🥇 Huw Jack Brassington 1:20:31
🥈 John Connolly 1:24:40
🥉 Tim Coolican 1:25:32

Sprint Triathlon Female 👏
🥇 Evie Bayman 1:42:47
🥈 Abbey Bonner 1:44:16
🥉 Eleanor Lampard 1:44:45

Sprint Duathlon Open 👏
🥇 Toby Williams 1:09:50
🥈 Jonathon Girvan 1:12:15
🥉 Iwan Morton 1:12:19

Sprint Duathlon Female 👏
🥇 Claire Donnelly 1:27:47
🥈 Brooklyn Wright 1:29:33
🥉Nicola Parry 1:34:20

Standard Triathlon Open 👏
🥇 Chris Standidge 2:10:16
🥈 Tomos Hales 2:13:16
🥉 Carl Shaw 2:13:53

Standard Triathlon Female 👏
🥇 Hayley Wells 2:29:25
🥈 Ffion Evans 2:53:16
🥉 Jenny Winstanley 3:05:34

Legend Triathlon Open 👏
🥇 Richard Higgins 4:34:53
🥈 Matthew Cox 4:55:46
🥉 Ruairidh Henman 4:58:55

Legend Triathlon Female 👏
🥇 Fiona Mcdonald 5:36:05
🥈 Gillian Jakeman 5:59:12
🥉 Katy Oates 6:14:49