Local Athletes at Isoman
Saturday 18th July was the inaugural Isoman Triathlon held at Arrow Valley Country Park in Redditch. Isoman is described as 'Triathlon Evolved' - more details here https://www.isomantri.com/ISO/
The long course is a 7 mile swim, 61 mile bike and a 26 mile run, although 1/2 & 1/4 distances were also available and categories for each of the individual disciplines, and an Aqua-Bike or a Duathlon.
Steve Kennaugh and Jill Bunyan were 2 of the 49 competitors brave enough to take on the full distasnce, which consisted of 8 laps of the lake, a single lap on the bike mostly on undulating country roads, and then 4 laps around the park. The water temperature was 21.5', but even so, over 7 miles it would feel cold. Both Jill & Steve found tiredness kicking in by laps 7 & 8. Competitors were allowed 7 mins in T1, before heading out on the bike. Back to T2, where 5 mins were allowed, and then out onto a convoluted run course through the park.
The weather was hot which made it a long day out for everyone involved, and despite the challenges of staying hydrated, Jill & Steve were both in the 30 finishers, Steve in 12:59 for 16th place and Jill in 13:22 for 19th overall and 4th lady.