2nd & 3rd August 2008

5 Mile swim, 224 mile bike, and 52 mile run

by Arthur Puckrin

The first ever Ultra Distance Triathlon is held in Britain in Lichfield. Although no publicity was given to this event, word of mouth ensued that the event was closed within 4 days of the entry list being opened. The organizers doubled the entry. Another 4 days and this was filled. The waiting list was closed at 200, 6 months before the event was held.

I was not surprised by this tremendous interest in the country to this very exhausting event. In Britain we founded ultra long distance running, swimming and cycling events. It just surprised me that it’s taken this long for an event to be held in this country. The first “Deca” cannot be far away. (British Deca that is). I decided that I had to be part of this and managed to get my entry form in on time.

I travelled to the Holiday Inn, Lichfield, 2 days before the event so I would be well rested for the start. I would also have a look at the bike course and the run course. The run course looked pretty horrifying. We were going to have to run though thick woods at NIGHT, with tree routes, the stumps of felled trees up to 12 inches high, brambles, nettles and tree branches. A recipe for disaster if ever I saw one. I voiced my concern to the organizer who unfortunately showed a total lack of concern for the wellbeing of the competitors. This was the course; we had to get on with it. As well as the woods, the rest of the course was rough grass and uneven tarmac. However, 50 well-prepared athletes were ready to get on with it.

We were up for an early breakfast at 3:30am off to the Leisure Centre for a 6am start.

The Swim

I was pleased with my swim, although I was probably the slowest swimmer on times, after a steady start, I was lapping most of the swimmers in my lane, and I finished in about 3 hours, my fastest double Ironman swim by 15 minutes, close to the half way and much better than I expected. Something to eat, a quick change and onto the bike.

The Bike

The bike course was probably not the best that could have been arranged. Out of the leisure centre, along a country lane and then a right turn onto a busy main road, continue onto a mini roundabout, then back, through a set of traffic lights which always seemed to be on “red”, all through heavy traffic, then into the leisure centre, up curbs and through cones. (There were several crashes at this point due to riders approaching too fast, but I just engaged my lowest gear, rode so slowly through that I could pick up a drink at the start and food as I went out). All riders had to do this 16 times to make up the distance.

I had hoped to finish in daylight, but as the course was “undulating” and there was a strong wind this was not going to be possible. The winning strategy is to ride without stopping, but after 140 miles I was so hungry, I had to have a stop to eat. After a tin of pears and a jam sandwich and coffee I felt much better. I hoped this would give me a burst of energy, which it did for half a lap, then again it was a struggle. 2 laps to go, I stopped to put on bike lights and my high visibility jacket and headlight. Just as well.

I had on 5 fairly new bike lights and 3 of them failed or were erratic. It was pitch black and on some sections difficult to distinguish the road from the grass at the side. However, not too far to go, I was eating and drinking every lap, unusual for me. Choc bars, coke, energy drink, water. Although “High 5 “sponsored the event, I found their “improved” drink to be pretty foul. I didn’t tell them. My bike time 14:23:00. I think I was about 3rd off the bike, now for the run.

The Run

Something to eat and drink, change of clothes. My legs were too stiff to run, I would walk for 2 laps, taking care through the wood section, and then hopefully, my legs would ease and I could run. I carefully negotiated one lap taking particular care in the wood section. However, on the second lap, CRASH; down I went, I fell very heavily knocking myself unconscious. After I think a few minutes, I came too. My head torch was somewhere in the bushes, fortunately it remained lit so I was able to locate it.

I pulled myself to my feet, but my right leg was severely damaged. I limped to the end of the lap. I was in severe pain, but reluctant to retire after all this effort. I continued for another 5 laps hoping I would recover somewhat. I had a few pain killers but without much effect. I was having dizzy spells and after 21 hours I reluctantly retired.

However, the race continued and Hywell Davies, an 8:32 Ironman performed with a magnificent effort of 21 hours 30 minutes and came home the winner. I am confident he would beat the world record given a flat continental course. 2nd was Hanno Nickau in 23 hours 46 minutes. He also came close to the world’s best and 3rd was Darryl Carter in 24:52. With the fastest run of the race by over an hour (7:21) Neil Kapoor pulled himself up to 4th. This surely must give him encouragement for his attempt on the “Deca” in Mexico.

Ladies Results:

1 - Monique Hollinshed 28:36:26
2 - Claire Smith 32:27:01
3 - Fay Dellimore 36:53:02

Mens Results:

1 - H. Davies 21:30:29
2 - H. Nickau 23:46:15
3 - D.Carter 24:52:23
4 - N. Kapoor 25:03:02