A BATTLE to crown the fittest member of a Brecon family has seen its youngest member come out on top.
Six times Ironman triathlon finisher Martin Browne went head to head with sons Liam, 18, and 15-year-old Ethan in Saturday’s Brecon Sprint Triathlon.
After a 400 metre indoor swim, a 20kms cycle ride a 5km run it was Brecon High School student Ethan who claimed the family bragging rights as well as finishing sixth overall.
His impressive performance in completing the course in one hour 10 minutes and 39.95 seconds, also secured Ethan victory in the youth category.
Dad Martin was hot on his heels finishing in 13th place overall, less than two minutes behind his youngest son, in a time 1.11.55.45, and with the consolation of winning the super veterans category, which the 49-year-old was eligible for as he turns 50 later this month.
Proud dad Martin said: “Ethan is only 15 and won the youth category and he hasn’t swam since we were on holiday last July and hasn’t run sine Brecon triathlon last year, he also had the fastest bike time on the day.”
The challenge has also raised £441 for charity Cancer Research Wales.
Ahead of the event the trio had challenged sponsors to chose who they thought would win the family challenge, with most opting for super-fit teen Ethan.
“It was a good day and Ethan was looking over his shoulder every part of the race,” said Martin who said the organisers had given the family a lane of their own in the swimming pool.
“Ethan passed me on the bike in Pennorth and I did see him, near the end, on the run but he was too far ahead for me to catch him.”
Liam was unable to finish the course and had to drop out during the run.
Martin, who runs SMB Beauty and Fitness, a gym and salon in Brecon, had also offered those predicting a winner from the family a chance to win a £30 voucher, and the winner of the draw was Betti Morgan of Brecon.
Brecon Athletic Club member Michael Holloway was the overall winner in a time of 1.08.20 and Carol Bridge, of the Erdinger club, was the first female finisher in 1.09.37.