Members show they have iron endurance

ROSSENNDALE TRIATHLON CLUB ROSSENDALE Triathlon Club members have completed a journey that began a year ago.

After 12 long months of training, which included bike and run sessions on the cold, wet winter days, they achieved their goal and can proudly call themselves ironmen.

The ironman distance triathlon is a true endurance test of the body and mind, to complete a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and then run a marathon of 26 miles takes not only a certain level of fitness but also a massive amount of mental strength.

Ironman UK takes place annually in and around Bolton with the bike route being a two-lap route through Rivington and Belmont and then across to West Lancashire villages – such as Croston and Mawdesley.

The run is a multi-lap route which winds its way through Bolton town centre.

This was club press officer Graeme Courtney’s first Ironman and he finished in an epic time of 12 hours, 32 minutes, just ahead of club head coach Patrick Walkington, who finished in 12 hours, 36 minutes. This was Patrick’s third Ironman and was his best to date following injury in the previous two.

Patrick gave up a lot of his time and passed on his experience of the event to help the other club members achieve their goal.

Also attempting his third Ironman was Chris Walsh, but unfortunately he had to withdraw from the race after taking ill on the swim.

This was the first event for the remaining five club members. Tom Moore finished in a fantastic time of 13 hours, 31 minutes, Toby Hamer finished in 14 hours closely followed by Dan Hatton in 14 hours, 7 minutes. Karen Parkinson finished in 15 hours, 17 minutes and club coach Jahn Hanson finished in 15 hours, 20 minutes.

Finally, despite several issues Lee Cramp finished in 15 hours, 57 minutes proving that anything is possible.

If you fancy having a go at triathlon the club are always looking for new members. Come along to the training session at Marl Pits running track on Thursdays at 6pm to meet members and coaches.