The course for the British Ironman Championships at Bolton included a beautiful lake swim in Pennington Flash. A 112-mile, two-loop bike ride from Pennington Flash and onto the breathtaking Lancashire countryside and includes the infamous Sheep House Lane climb where spectators could get up close and personal with the athletes in true Tour de France style. The Marathon distance run began at the Macron Stadium and headed into Bolton town centre, completing three loops of a circuit before finishing in Victoria Square in the shadow of the Albert Hall.
Brian Fogarty goes from strength to strength in the Ironman and his latest efforts – competing in the British Championships – at Bolton last weekend (July 19th) was testimony to that progress. Despite having to suffer a puncture on the Bike Ride part of the event, Brian still finished 12th overall (out of over 2000 athletes), 2nd in his Age Category and gaining yet again, the qualification for the World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. A great performance again by him.
Full Results HERE
Brian who competes on an amateur basis was up against full time professionals int he Race, ten of which were in the first 12 places which just shows the level of competition that Brian is involved with.
After the Race Brian spoke to the Club and said “Mixed emotions from my race at Ironman UK. My swim went ok not as good as I had hoped for, I came out in 1:04 but I was feeling good and looking to really make up good time on the bike. This was the case, I was going great guns and in no time got up to 9th until a puncture in my back wheel put a halt to things. I lost at least 10 mins and a number of places. Once I got back going it made me be even more aggressive trying to make up lost time. I made the places back and came off the bike in 9th and 1st amateur in 5:15. I realised quite early into the run that the extra effort I put in on the bike had taken it out of me. I dug deep throughout the marathon and with all the amazing support helped me get home in 3:15. Unfortunately I lost 3 places and finished 12th, 3rd amateur. On reflection I can’t be to disappointed I gave it everything and know I can make huge improvements. All focus is now on the world Championships in Kona.
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John Sutton was out on the Fells at the weekend tackling the Kentmere Horsehoe on Sunday – July 19th – along with 345 other runners.
Full Results HERE
In finishing 28th overall in a time of 1.47.57 John was reasonably pleased with his performance on the day and told us that “I’m trying to get in to some sort of shape for Ben Nevis in September. It was the 40th running of the Kentmere Horseshoe race on Sunday. I finished equal 28th in 1.47.57 and whilst that’s over five mins off a PB, it’s a step in the right direction and my first satisfactory result this year. I had a battle with a Helm Hill runner for much of the second half of the race which went to the wire. Despite getting ahead of him before the finishing field, he drew up level with me as I fumbled around with my dibber. Technology eh?”
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U17 Jacob Roberts had another good weekend with the Hammer at Birmingham in the British Athletics Jumps & Throws Fest at the weekend. He won the competition with a Throw of 51.43m – six metres in front of 2nd place – and had a Throw nearing 60metres ruled out!
Full Results HERE
On the Track, Rob Warner continued with his good form at at Trafford this week when he finished 4th in the 1500m B Race in a time of 3.55.53 with just half a second separating positions 3rd through to 6th.
Full Results HERE
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