Wind and lashing rain is a Helluva challenge

From noon until 6pm between 300 and 400 athletes cycled, ran and swam for the non-competitive charity triathlon.

Swimming was suspended until 3.30pm while waves battered Havelet.

Credit Suisse Guernsey has organised the event since its inception.

Donning a ‘hellish’ horned helmet, CEO Paul Annegarn said: ‘We organise this for companies to raise money for a charity of their choice.

‘Credit Suisse has raised £25,000 for Les Bourgs Hospice this year, who we chose after some staff said the compassion they showed was exceptional.’

Half of staff were participating with another quarter marshalling.

‘All hands are on deck. Some companies have brought very big teams. It’s good fun and it’s all about taking part.’

At least 35 companies got involved, with the total fundraising figure unknown as of yet.

The route involves a 600m circuit swim in Havelet Bay, a 2km cycle up and down Le Val de Terres, closing with a run from South Esplanade to the Aquarium, then to Castle Cornet, finishing at South Esplanade.

‘We’ve had many wonderful rounds already, it’s going really well,’ Mr Annegarn said.

‘Some swimming rounds we had to postpone, but we have “Sea Donkey” Adrian Sarchet here to help out.’

Mr Sarchet said: ‘I’m loving it. How can you not love this? They’ve combined food and swimming – my two favourite things.’

Now in its fourth year, the Hel(l)vetia Challenge is getting bigger.

Help A Guernsey Child director John Hibbs showed support to one company who chose the charity as its recipient.

‘We help families with young children get much-needed support right at the coalface.’

DJs, including Garfield Brown, kept energy levels high as athletes pressed on.

Cyclist Matthew Champion said: ‘You have to come down the Val des Terres very carefully, but thankfully everyone is going a reasonable speed.’

Paramedics were at hand and the roads were closed from Fort Road to Castle Emplacement for safety.

Tristan Robilliard, Josh Davies and Ryan Dawe did the full six hours totalling 12 back-to-back slots.

Mr Davies said: ‘We love the rain.

‘Shout-out to Guernsey Mind, who we’re raising money for. They do huge amounts of work in the community and hopefully they’ll do well off the back of it.’

Originally, Robbie Andrade had intended to swim, but decided to do his bit with a run instead.

‘I do the occasional run at the gym, but otherwise not really.

‘I’m only here in between meetings, and thought to see my team off. I’ll be full of endorphins and on top of the world for my next meeting.’