News
October 17th 2018
Debut race success for RAF Reserve
Gemma with her medal
A Royal Air Force Reservist has won two trophies after completing the Vitruvian Triathlon which was held at Rutland Water in early September (8/9/18).
This was the first Vitruvian for Gemma Hughes, an experienced triathlete who recently began serving with 7010 (VR) Squadron, part of the RAF’s Intelligence Reserves Wing.
She won both the RAF Championship and the RAF Novice Lady after coming ninth in her age bracket, finishing all three disciplines in under five hours and twenty minutes.
Gemma, who works as a HMP & Probation Service Operational Governor in her civilian career, explained: “It was a tough race with so many athletes representing the Army and Navy but the camaraderie and support for all the Armed Forces was really energising and I was really proud to be wearing RAF colours.”
The trophies Gemma earnt during the race
The Vitruvian triathlon has more than 1000 participants and each needed to swim 1.9km, cycle for 90km before finishing the race with a 21km run.
The race doubles as the UK Armed Forces and RAF middle distance triathlon championships, with a large number of Armed Forces personnel taking part every year.
Gemma added: “The swim was a highly energised two laps, the bike ride involved some fast downhill but also some steep inclines to burn out your legs and the run went around the lake.
“During the run the Red Arrows flew overhead and this only added to the great support for the Armed Forces and helped make it a truly incredible experience for everyone involved.”
The RAF Intelligence Reserves Wing is currently recruiting, to find out more about joining search RAF Intelligence Analyst or call 0345 606 9069.
“It was a tough race with so many athletes representing the Army and Navy but the camaraderie and support for all the Armed Forces was really energising and I was really proud to be wearing RAF colours.”
