Swashbuckler Half Ironman
BIG success at the weekend for SGRAC, (or should it now be SGRTAC!).
Richard Thomas, Mike White and John Fairhurst were SGRAC’s representatives at the Swashbuckler Half Ironman distance triathlon held at Bucklers Hard on Sunday 31st May and all were prize winners on the day.
Mike and John were age group winners and Richard was runner up in the highly competitive 40 to 44 age group. Richard and Mike were placed 13th and 14th overall respectively arriving at the final finish straight together after 4hrs and ~22min of racing.
Richard managed to out sprint Mike but paused to offer a sporting handshake just before the line. It was by all accounts an excellent showing for the new look SGRAC Triathlon squad. All we need now perhaps is a SGRAC triathlon strip so all will know who we are. Mike White.
John Fairhurst also adds his report -
WHERE: Bucklers Hard and the New Forest
WHEN: Sunday, 31st May 2009
THE RACE. Swim 1.9km double loop in the Beaulieu River followed by 80km Bike
in the New Forest and then 22.5km Run double lap.
FINISHERS: 247 Men and 68 Women
FIRST MAN: Peter Galpin 4-01:15.15
FIRST WOMAN: Jenny Gowans 4-22:35.15
LAST FINISHER: 7-00:39.10
STUBBIES:
Richard Thomas 4-22:37.95 13th M, 2nd M 40 - 44
Mike White 4-22:38.50 14th M, 1st M 50 - 59
John Fairhurst 6-07:33.50 233rd M; 1st M 60 - 69
GENERAL COMMENTS: It was a beautiful morning with hardly a ripple on the water, which was not cold being 14ºC. The spectators joined in the countdowns before the hooter sounded the 05.50 start for the first wave and ten minutes later for the second. The start was timed at around high water giving standing water for all competitors. The scenic bike course was mostly on minor roads in the New Forest with ponies, foals and glorious views over the heath land. The run was on minor roads passing the remnants of a medieval tithe barn and a track through woods and beside the Beaulieu River with a scenic finish up Bucklers Hard from the river. There were plenty of drink stations on the run to help offset the heat of the bright sunny day.
The race, well organised by Race New Forest with friendly marshals and plenty of food at the finish, was a really enjoyable event.