It was a bright sunny early morning on Sunday 1st June when 9 intrepid members of Aycliffe Tri Club entered the water at the National Water Sports Centre Nottingham to take part in the Outlaw Half Ironman distance triathlon.
Individual athletes Mark Harrop, Phil Harrop, Andrea Jones, Wendy Bake and Michelle Scott were joined by 2 relay teams of Darren Harrop, Kelly Harrop, Vicky Howse and Andy Sedgwick for the 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile cycle and 13.1 mile run.
Along-side 1,400 hardened triathletes the Aycliffe Club members showed their dedication and determination as they all completed the course well within their anticipated times. Each triathlete showed their strongest disciplines and conquered their weakest. The swim started in waves from 6.30am, it was an out and back course which made for easy navigation.
The cycle route was a fast course with only one real climb followed by a stunning ride around the Nottingham countryside. Temperatures rose as the athletes went out onto the run, taking in two laps of the lake and finally finishing on the red carpet to the welcome sound of cheers from the crowds.
This was a fantastic achievement for the club haveing so many athletes taking part in such a highly esteemed tough event. They felt a great sense of achievement and the club send a big ‘well done’ to everyone who took part.
Darren, Phil and Mark Harrop
