FIRST KNIGHT RACING TEAM ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT - JAMES SWINNERTON
Throughout the years we’ve written occasional articles highlighting the accomplishments of some of our athletes. We’re bringing back that tradition with some spotlight articles about the members of our First Knight Racing Team. First up is team member James Swinnerton from Brampton, Ontario, who has been racing with us since 2014. He and his family have been integral parts to our race support teams – his wife Linda manages our race registration, and his daughter Olivia is the race director of our Kids’ Fun Run the day before Peasantman. And in 2022, the family EVEN won our MVP award (Most Valuable Peasants) at Peasantman.
First Knight: James, how and when did you first get involved with First Knight Racing?
James: My family started volunteering in 2014 and we’ve been doing it ever since. I competed in the Full Steel Distance that year, and I met race founder Joe McMahon in an interesting way. I couldn’t finish the run so I was really upset having a DNF. But Joe and the ‘king’ came into the tent to tell me I was getting a Full Aquabike finisher medal. I didn’t know about their ‘default aquabike’ rule on their longer distances for when you don’t finish the run. It makes sense being that I technically finished the Aquabike after all. That gesture made me a Peasantman racer for life – the King left a lasting impression!
First Knight: How long have you been racing – how did it all start?
James: I started running in 1995, then triathlons beginning in 1996. My first tri was the Brockville Sprint – I jumped off a boat to swim to shore to start the race – I thought that would be fun.
First Knight: What are some of your racing achievements or milestones?
James: Going to England to participate in the Bolton England Ironman in 2023, meeting my half brother and his entire family there – they all came to cheer me on. Finishing my first Ironman in Montreal in 1998, completing my first 100 miler in Sulphur Springs, Ontario in 2008. And it’s now my 27th year racing in Around the Bay 30km.
First Knight: What is your favorite race of all time?
James: My favourite race is the Robbie Burns 8km in Burlington, Ontario. Everyone dresses up Scottish and I wear my kilt to run the race! Peasantman is my favourite triathlon though – we love the family atmosphere. The course is beautiful, the water is clear, seeing the Mennonites when I am on the bike, the fun aid stations on the run. The support from the Peasantman group too. They have all become family to me and my family!
First Knight: What is your favorite part of being involved with First Knight Racing?
James: The sponsorship and the support, the sense of belonging, and being part of the family. Proud to represent Joe. They’re the best group of people we have ever met – the kindest, most supportive race. Our family enjoys going to Peasantman and volunteering for the entire weekend. We have made great friends and it’s an excellent way for me to give back to the racing community. Some of my favourite memories happened there, like being knighted by the “king” after not finishing the race, being the MVP family for Peasantman, and having our daughter be the Race Director of the Kids Races.
Last year, Joe asked me to represent First Knight Racing by joining his racing team. This year we’ll be doing all three races – the Keuka Tri, Peasantman, and the Knight’s Fury!
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