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2017 to be final Ironman 70.3 UK Exmoor

March 14, 2021 | News | No Comments

It was the first official 113km Ironman race in the world and has established itself as one of the toughest middle-distance events on Planet Earth. But its organisers have today confirmed that June’s Ironman 70.3 UK in Exmoor will be the final running of the iconic event.

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After starting life in 2001 in North Wales as Half Ironman UK, Ironman UK 70.3 moved to its current home of Wimbleball Lake in the heart of Exmoor National Park in 2006. Since that day, the event has seen over 20,000 athletes tackle the challenging course famed for its chilly 1.9km lake swim, hilly 90km bike and rolling 21.1km mixed-terrain run route.

On the final event this summer, Kevin Stewart, Ironman EMEA Regional Director, added: “Ironman 70.3 UK Exmoor has been an integral part of the development of Ironman over the last decade. Athletes have loved its unique setting, but its remote location has brought about recent logistical challenges. We have, therefore, made the decision to make 2017 the last year to stage and celebrate this historic Ironman 70.3 UK event. We encourage and welcome everyone who wants to be part of its history to join us in Wimbleball on 25th June.”

The UK’s other Ironman 70.3 races are Ironman 70.3 Staffordshire (18th June), the new Ironman 70.3 Edinburgh on 2nd July and Ironman 70.3 Weymouth on 17th September. There’s also Ironman 70.3 Dublin on 20th August.

220 PROMOTION!

We’ve teamed-up with the Ironman 70.3 UK Exmoor organisers to offer a ‘220 Promotion’ offering 20 places at the rate of £220.

Head to the race website here and use code 220IMUK703 to secure this short-lived offer.

This will be an age-group only event, as athletes compete for one of 35 qualifying slots to the 2017 Ironman 70.3 World Championship. In addition, there will also be the opportunity for tri clubs to qualify for the Ironman 70.3 EMEA Tri Club Championship.

The race weekend will commence on Saturday 25th June at 3pm with an Ironkids fun run for children aged 3-14 followed by a 5km Irongirl run. To find out more and register online, visit here.

IRONMAN 70.3 UK Winners

2016 Andy Greenleaf, Stephanie Knott

2015 Brennan Townshend, Natalie Seymour

2014 (last Pro race) Will Clarke, Eimear Mullan

2013 Ritchie Nicholls, Eimear Mullan

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2012 Philip Graves, Eimear Mullan

2011 Mikel Elgezabal, Emma-Kate Lidbury

2010 Fraser Cartmell, Bella Bayliss

2009 Philip Graves, Catriona Morrison

2008 Fraser Cartmell, Bella Comerford

2007 Fraser Cartmell, Julie Dibens

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2006 Chris McCormack, Catriona Morrison

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By GETAWAYTHEBERKSHIRES

Garmin release Forerunner 935 multisport watch

March 14, 2021 | News | No Comments

Garmin have announced the release of another exciting multisport watch, the Forerunner 935.

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Included are new performance monitoring tools and ‘Elevate’ wrist-based heart rate technology. In addition to 24/7 heart rate monitoring, the Forerunner 935 includes new training features, allowing users to fine-tune exercise and recovery to be a better athlete. Easily paired with the new Running Dynamics Pod2, Forerunner 935 users will now be able to see all six running dynamics without the need for a chest strap. What’s more the watch only weighs a tiny 49 grams.

Triathlon watches: 10 of the best

10 of the best running watches

New training features – with technology provided by First beat – make it easier for Forerunner 935 users to monitor performance and better prepare for a race or training cycle. Training status automatically analyses previous exercise and fitness levels to provide insight into how the athlete’s body is responding – letting them know if they are training productively, peaking or overreaching. Training load gives users an overview of their weekly activity and helps them determine if they are training in the right zone and whether their sessions are too easy or hard. Additionally, the new training effect metric tracks and reviews the aerobic and anaerobic benefit of a training session, letting athletes know how their training is improving their ability to push the limits. With these training features available at their fingertips, athletes can make adjustments and improvements to their training to become better, faster and more efficient come race day.

A completely new feature on the 935 is the Running Dynamics Pod, that gives you even more run metrics

The new Running Dynamics Pod clips to the waistband, allowing athletes to see all six running dynamics – including cadence, ground contact time, stride length and more – on a compatible device3 without the need for a chest strap. The Forerunner 935 also features advanced dynamics to help with cycling and swim training. While on a bike (and when paired with Vector power meter), it will track dynamics including power zones, time seated and standing, platform center offset and power phase. In the water5, the Forerunner 935 will track distance, stroke, pace, personal records and more.

Athletes can easily transition between sports with the press of a button utilising the auto or manual multisport feature. Additional built-in activities include hiking, trail running, skiing, paddle sports, golf and more. The Forerunner 935 is also compatible with the full line of Variacycling awareness accessories and Vectorpedal-based power meter system. Users can also track body composition data – such as weight, BMI, body fat and more. 

Available on the Forerunner 935, Strava Live Segments allow users to view real-time results on a run or ride, leaderboard rankings and how their current effort compares to their PR. A new TrainingPeaks app allows users to download free workouts directly to their watch, then view the workout in real time, complete with intensity targets and interval durations. Newer apps even include an Uber ETA function and accurate weather forecasting.

Andrew Silver, Garmin EMEA Product Manager, said: “As a top-of-the-line GPS smartwatch, the Forerunner 935 is super lightweight and comfortable to wear around the wrist, and provides users with insight into how their body is responding to fitness, as well as offers data for every activity. It allows users to automatically upload to Garmin Connect, and is customisable with free apps, data fields and more from the Connect IQ store.”

The Forerunner 935 features up to 24 hours of battery life in GPS mode, up to 60 hours in ‘UltraTrac’ battery saver mode without optical HR and up to two weeks in watch mode. It is available in black for £469.99. A tri-bundle option – which includes a black watch face with force yellow strap, HRM-Tri, HRM-Swim, Quick Release Kit and additional strap in black – is available for £589.99.

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Look out for our upcoming issues, as 220 will be looking to test the watch very soon!

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By GETAWAYTHEBERKSHIRES

New look for 220 Triathlon magazine

March 14, 2021 | News | No Comments

Find our training advice and gear reviews online useful? Then take a look at the refreshed 220 Triathlon magazine, which features even bigger performance and gear sections. Available in print or as a digital edition, it is dedicated towards helping you reach your goals, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned Ironman.

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The first new-look issue (number 337) is is packed with more content than ever before, including a special feature on open-water swimming written by some of GB’s best athletes, as well as a guide to avoiding injury and bigger bike test and race coverage features. The new training section has swim, bike and run sessions as well as an eight-week ‘couch to super sprint’ training plan targeted at beginners. The issue also welcomes tri legend six-time Ironman champ Dave Scott as lead coaching expert.

In the gear section more pages have also been added to meet demand. All products are independently reviewed by the magazine’s expert team and this issue includes tri-suits, open-water goggles and clipless pedals, as well as a guide to converting your road bike into a triathlon race machine. 

Helen Webster, Editor of 220 Triathlon, said: “We’ve been helping triathletes smash their goals for 28 years – and much like our readers, we’re all about performance. We wanted to make sure we continued to give triathletes the very best advice in the sport and that they would find everything they needed each issue to help them perform at their very best.” 

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The redesigned 220 Triathlon is on sale now and costs £4.99. You can also subscribe here

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By GETAWAYTHEBERKSHIRES

Donald Trump to race Kona

March 14, 2021 | News | No Comments

The President’s campaign to ‘Make Kona Great Again’ has been met with derision from the political sphere, with insiders puzzled as to how the POTUS will cope with the demands of training for a 2.4 mile sea swim, 112 mile cycle and 26.2 mile marathon run with no previous experience of racing endurance events, while simultaneously governing the United States.

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Morgan Biers, supposedly a close personal friend of Mr. Trump, commented: “They say that transition is triathlon’s fourth discipline… but for my pal Donald being in charge of the world’s largest economic superpower surely has to count as a fifth. If anyone can do it though, *blushes*… the President can!”   

As entry to the World Championships is by qualification only, it is currently unclear how the President managed to secure his entry. Rumours that Mr. Trump actually travelled to one of Ironman’s new 70.3 races in China to qualify were dismissed as “fake news” by the President himself, via a caps-locked Twitter post.  

 According to an insider President Trump is confident of clinching another surprise victory in the 70-74 age category on the Big Island, although he has secretly expressed concerns about hitting the wall.

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Triathlonologist Timmy Tri said: “Pulling off one of the biggest shocks in modern political history counts for nothing when you’re 18 miles into a sweltering hot marathon at one of the world’s toughest endurance events. The President needs to ensure he stays on top of his nutrition and hydration, keeping a nice steady pace throughout… if he does hit that wall he’s definitely going to be paying for it.”

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By GETAWAYTHEBERKSHIRES

Double Olympic and two-time ITU Triathlon World Series champion, Alistair Brownlee, is to make his long-awaited middle-distance triathlon debut at this year’s Gloria Challenge Mogán Gran Canaria. Taking place on 22 April 2017 the 70.3-mile race will provide Alistair’s first opportunity since claiming double Olympic glory to compete in a middle-distance triathlon

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The announcement that the current Olympic triathlon champion will join the line-up comes after the Yorkshireman first hinted at the end of last year that he will gear his training towards other goals outside of the Olympics.

“We are thrilled that Alistair Brownlee has decided to choose a Challenge Family race to debut his long-distance triathlon career,” said Zibi Szlufcik, Challenge Family CEO. “Gloria Challenge Mogán Gran Canaria is a testing and diverse course with steep mountains that climb above a rugged coastline.The bike course in particular is unique, varied and technical, which will suit Alistair.”

Alistair said: “I’m delighted to be racing my first middle distance triathlon race at Gloria Challenge Gran Canaria on 22 April. I’ve made no secret that I am going to spend the next couple of years racing some different distances and I’m really looking forward to the process of preparing for some longer distance races and of course, competing at them. I can’t think of a better place for my first one.”

The celebrated Olympian’s participation will provide excitement both for fellow competitors and spectators lining the course. The 28-year-old, who last year famously became the first ever triathlete to retain an Olympic title, will use Gloria Challenge Mogán Gran Canaria as his first foray into long-distance triathlon racing and will compete in other long-distance triathlon events.

Race director of Gloria Challenge Mogán Gran Canaria, Jordi González, said: “Last year was a dream come true for me when, after 25 years of being involved in the sport, I was asked to organise the international triathlon event with Challenge Family in Gran Canaria, where I was born. Now with Alistair Brownlee among those who are confirmed to race this year’s Gloria Challenge Mogán Gran Canaria, the dream has evolved and it’s an honour to welcome the legendary triathlete to Mogán.”

At a distance of more than double that of an Olympic triathlon, Gloria Challenge Mogán Gran Canaria is the first Challenge race in the European season. Exceptionally beautiful with dramatic terrain, bathed in a subtropical climate, Mogán in Gran Canaria should provide great conditions for Alistair’s first major middle-distance triathlon.

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For more information on the race, the course, the full start list, and what to look out for during the event, please visit: www.challengegrancanaria.com

Alistair Brownlee’s key triathlon training sessions

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By GETAWAYTHEBERKSHIRES

Kiwi Hewitt wins WTS Gold Coast

March 14, 2021 | News | No Comments

Kiwi Andrea Hewitt has made it two wins out of two starts with a  WTS win in Australia following her victory in Abu Dhabi. It might have taken her six years to get back on top of a ITU World Triathlon Series podium but the New Zealander’s start to the 2017 season could not have gone any better.

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While her first victory of the year came from an epic sprint to the finish on the blue carpet in Abu Dhabi just over a month ago, her second victory came through outrunning her competition from the second transition, on the first sprint distance course of the season.

“I knew my running was good and that is why I went out at that pace, but you never know how the race is going to go and today I just ran 5km at my pace and it was good enough to be out in front, so I am really happy,” Hewitt said of her day’s performance.

The win also came after the Kiwi had just celebrated her 35th birthday the week prior to race day, making her one of the oldest women on the start list.

“Last week was my birthday, but age is just a number isn’t it?  It just all comes down to the training, today my swim and bike wasn’t up there but then I had the legs on the run so that is just how triathlon goes,” Hewitt said.

Taking the silver medal was Australia’s own Ashleigh Gentle, who with the podium also met Triathlon Australia’s qualification criteria for a team spot for the 2018 Commonwealth Games. The Games will also be hosted in the Gold Coast at the same venue, and the first official medal awarded at those Games will be at the women’s triathlon event.

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Finishing with the bronze was Japan’s Juri Ide, who made a comeback to the WTS podium for the first time since 2014.

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Britain’s Jodie Stimpson came 16th, but is fourth on the overall WTS rankings

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By GETAWAYTHEBERKSHIRES

Mola retains Gold Coast crown

March 14, 2021 | News | No Comments

2016 ITU world champ, Spaniard Mario Mola, has retained his Gold Coast crown after a sprint finish that saw off rivals Fernando Alarza, Javier Gomez Noya, and Richard Murray.

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The sprint distance race came down to the final 5km run, with Mola locked in a battle with fellow Spanish athletes Alarza and Gomez, and South African Murray. But in the final few hundred metres Mola pulled away from Murray to take his second consecutive Gold Coast win, in a time of 52 minutes and 35 seconds.

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“It was a very tough race as usual, but with the sprint, Richard, Fernando and Javi they were all on fire. I had to give 100 percent today to get this win,” Mola said.

“Every race is a new opportunity and a different opportunity to give our best and to try our best. In Abu Dhabi I did not think I was less fit, or more fit than I was today but in this racing these guys are very good. If you don’t have your best day you can go from first to eighth to 20th, that is racing. So to get a good result I am happy to have a good performance.”

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Murray finished second and Fernando Alarza third. Gomez’s fourth was enough to see him remain the series leader, while Australia’s Jacob Birtwhistle finished fifth, which saw him meet Triathlon Australia’s qualification criteria for a Commonwealth Games spot.
There were no Brits racing.

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By GETAWAYTHEBERKSHIRES

Scientists from Yale University have found the physical stress of running a marathon can cause short-term kidney injury.

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They analysed the blood and urine of a small group of participants in the 2015 Hartford Marathon before and after the 26.2-mile event. In particular they examined a variety of markers of kidney injury, including serum creatinine levels, kidney cells on microscopy, and proteins in urine.

The researchers found that 82% of the runners that were studied showed Stage 1 Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) soon after the race. AKI is a condition in which the kidneys fail to filter waste from the blood.

“The kidney responds to the physical stress of marathon running as if it’s injured, in a way that’s similar to what happens in hospitalised patients when the kidney is affected by medical and surgical complications,” said lead author, Professor of Medicine Chirag Parikh, M.D.

The researchers stated that potential causes of the marathon-related kidney damage could be the sustained rise in core body temperature, dehydration, or decreased blood flow to the kidneys that occur during a marathon.

While the measured kidney injury resolved within two days post-marathon, the study still raises questions about the effects of repeated strenuous activity over time, especially in warm climates.

“We need to investigate this further,” said Parikh. “Research has shown there are also changes in heart function associated with marathon running. Our study adds to the story – even the kidney responds to marathon-related stress.”

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The study was published by the American Journal of Kidney Diseases.

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By GETAWAYTHEBERKSHIRES

Inspired by golf’s Ryder Cup, The Collins Cup features teams of professional triathletes from the USA, Europe and the rest of the World (the ‘Internationals’) competing to determine which region dominates the sport of triathlon.

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Each team will consist of 12 professional triathletes, six men and six women. 

The Collins Cup: a new Ryder Cup-style team competition for long distance tri

New international team tri competition launched

  

Chrissie Wellington said: “I am thrilled to have been selected as one of the European Team captains for the inaugural Collins Cup. Triathlon is such an amazing sport – innovative, forward thinking and truly open to all.

“The Collins Cup marks a hugely exciting and important new addition to the race calendar, with the best male and female athletes in the world racing head-to-head in a fantastic new format.”

Men’s captain for Team Europe Stadler is a 2x Ironman World Champion (2004 and 2006) famous for his unyielding racing style. Stadler holds the Kona bike course record of 4:18:32 and is recognised as the most formidable cyclist in triathlon history.

Stadler said, “It is a privilege to be able to serve as a Team Europe captain with Chrissie. The Collins Cup, with its Ryder Cup format, will produce an exceptionally exciting and dramatic event.”  

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This announcement follows the news Dave Scott and Karen Smyers being named USA team captains for the Collins Cup. The captains of the ‘International’ Team will be announced soon.

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This weekend four-time Ironman world champion Chrissie Wellington will be racing the 2017 Virgin Money London Marathon for Epilepsy Society and Cancer Research UK.

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“I decided to run because it takes me a full circle to the place where my passion for endurance sports was born – London Marathon 2002 – and to be a role model for my daughter,” she says. “I also craved a new challenge that didn’t involve a big swim or bike beforehand!” 

You can support Chrissie and donate here

Chrissie and all the other runners will be given a royal send-off by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, who are the event’s official race starters. They will also be joined by double Olympic rowing gold medallists Helen Glover and Heather Stanning.

Their Royal Highnesses are spearheading the Heads Together campaign to end stigma and change the conversation on mental health for everyone. They have pledged to make this year’s race ‘the mental health marathon’ and are encouraging runners, whatever great cause they are supporting, to wear the blue Heads Together headband that will be given to them when they collect their race number.

For 220 columnist Tim Heming, who is running the Marathon in aid of the mental health charity Mind, this campaign is close to his heart:

“Dear old Bob Hoskins was telling us It’s Good To Talk in TV ads over 20 years ago, but that stiff upper lip British stoicism still prevails with so many of us… particularly blokes. 

“That’s why it was refreshing to hearing the princes speak out this week on how repressing emotions over their mum’s death led to mental health problems. Harry and William’s words show mental health is clearly no respecter of privilege, and while the attitude of “There will always always be someone worse off than me” might be laudable, it doesn’t mean you should neglect your own well-being. 

“It’s also great to see 2017’s London labelled the ‘Mental Health Marathon’ and charities like Mind, Rethink and Heads Together do some outstanding work in trying to break stigma – both improving and saving lives. 

“I know from my own experience that you cannot tackle everything alone. Trying to fix the bit that’s broken with the very bit that’s broken, isn’t so easy. Professional help is important but not always easily accessible, so an ear to bend, or a shoulder to cry on, can be a lifeline. 

“Ps. I apologise in advance for the fetching blue headband.”

Depression: a triathlete’s experience

You can support Tim and donate here

The Royals’ Heads Together campaign aims to end the stigma around mental health and change the national conversation on mental health and wellbeing. Earlier in the week Prince Harry opened up to Bryony Gordon from The Telegraph about his own experiences and seeking counselling to help him come to terms with his mother’s death Download the podcast here

The three Royals will push a giant button at exactly 10:00am to send 35 elite men and more than 39,000 mass race runners on their 26.2-mile journey from Shooters Hill in south east London to Westminster.

Among the elite athletes who will be racing will be Ethiopian distance running legend Kenenisa Bekele, two-time world champion Abel Kirui, two-time London Marathon women’s champion Mary Keitany, and the current men’s and women’s world champions, Ghirmay Ghebreslassie and Mare Dibaba.

Meanwhile, 43-year-old supermum Jo Pavey is just one of 19 of the best British distance runners in the country who will be vying for a handful of coveted places on the nation’s marathon team for this summer’s World Athletics Championships in London.

There will also be more than 70 para-athletes competing in the fourth World Para Athletics Marathon World Cup, including reigning wheelchair champion Marcel Hug and Boston Marathon winner Manuela Schär, plus Britain’s six-times Paralympic champion David Weir who’s going for a record seventh London Marathon victory.

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The elites will be followed by thousands of club athletes, including Helen Glover & Heather Stanning, double Olympic rowing gold medallists

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