On Friday 24th April 2026 an amazing team of twenty local parents and players took part in a community triathlon in aid of Thorverton Cricket Club and Thorverton Primary School.
The day started bright and early at Lords Meadow Leisure Centre in Crediton. With this being the majority of the groups’ first triathlon, many were apprehensive about the swim and keen to get going. With the pool split into three lanes and friends and families watching on, the team dived into the 60 length, 1.5km swim. The early nerves soon settled and the team were off to a flying start, all completing within the hour time slot.
With the bikes lined up and waiting, there was time for a quick snack and photo with the local paper before the start of the next leg. Picking up a couple of extra participants on the way, the group headed out just after 9am in their bright pink tops for the 40km cycle.
Heading out of Crediton onto the Mid Devon lanes, the carefully planned route was kept relatively flat and included 3 laps between Shute and Newton St Cyres, somewhat cruelly passing The Beer Engine pub three times! The multi lap route did however provide a great opportunity for supporters and the press to keep in touch and cheer on the group. The riders were in great spirits with the sunshine, conversation and waves from other cycling groups all bringing smiles.
The spirits rose higher still as the cyclists came into the Thorverton CC, greeted with applause and a plethora of refreshments. There were a few sore bums and tired legs but this was not the time to stop and seize up as there was still a 10k run to do!
Boosted by a couple of extra runners, the triathletes gritted their teeth and set off on the back lanes one last time. They headed out past Netherexe, turning at Stoke Cannon and through Brampford Speke before heading back for Thorverton. The hills back into the village tested the exhausted legs as the sun beat down. There was a much-needed boost in the final stretch as runners were cheered on by children at the primary school and with the station ground approaching it was an apt reminder of the two causes that the challenge was raising much needed funds for.
The club was the finish line, and every runner made it back to rapturous applause and hugs from family and friends. A brilliant spread of cakes and pasties were put on and, with the bar open, the Station ground was once again a stunning backdrop for everyone to bask in the sunshine and reflect on their sporting achievements.
A huge congratulations to all those who took part in the triathlon, to supporters, friends and family and anyone who donated. A special thank you to Simon and Paul for logistics and aid-station support, Dan for on-hand support and running the bar, Penny and Sallie for the delicious refreshments and to Matt for masterminding the whole triathlon!
The day was a resounding success and the initial fundraising target of £8,000 was smashed out of the park as by the end of the day the total passed an amazing £13,000.
Matt Regan, the man behind the challenge reflected;
“We would like to thank everyone in our fantastic community for supporting us and sponsoring these brilliant and worthy causes. Our amazing, ever growing total, has also been buoyed by massive company support from the organisers of Thorfest, our village music festival, Strutt and Parker, Pallex, Energy Systems SW Ltd amongst others
To show how important your donations are, Thorverton School needs all new outdoor play equipment for the kids and this will help make this happen, and Thorverton Cricket club is planning to build a new pavilion and community space which will cost an estimated £500k, so everyone’s donations are essential.
An incredible day spent with incredible people, in sun-soaked beautiful Mid Devon”
Alex Jopling will also be catching up with BBC Radio Devon about the day on Monday 27th April at 7:20am.
The JustGiving page for the challenge is still open here – https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/thorvertontriathlon2026
All money raised will be split between Thorverton Primary School for replacement play equipment and for Thorverton Cricket Club’s pavilion project.
Thorverton Cricket Club 