Sherbourne Half Ironman
Gatorade Half Ironman UK Triathlon - Sunday 22nd August 2004 – Sherborne Castle
It is Sunday 22nd August & race day. It is early, not yet 5 o'clock, but there is still only just time to have a quick bowl of porridge before Penny & I leave on the 30-minute drive to the race venue. We arrive at Sherborne Castle where we are guided to a parking spot, which is just a few minutes walk from the transition area. The swim is taking place in two waves with the ladies forming a small part of the second wave. Our off time is 07:20 but we need to be in the 'holding pen' 30 minutes before so that there is sufficient time for the 800 or so competitors to swim the 150 meters to the start. It is a bright morning but after 10 minutes or so in the water I start to feel a bit cold. I seem to be too near the front & begin edging my way back away from the start. Suddenly there is a chant of 'oggy, oggy, oggy' & we are off. It is difficult to see where I am going or find space to swim, as the water is just a mass of thrashing arms & legs. The fight for space continues all the way to the turnaround point, & it is even a battle to exit the water, but fortunately there are helpers on hand to haul me out. Once out of the water it is a stagger to the bike tent to retrieve the bag containing my bike gear from its numbered hook & to find a bit of space in which to change from my wet suit into my bike gear. It is a relief to find my bag contains all the right gear, & once changed it is a short run to the transition area to retrieve my bike from its numbered spot. At last I am away & looking forward!! to the first hill which is about a mile into the bike course. I am soon puffing a bit & reminded of the tough ride that lies ahead. At the race briefing we were warned that the draft busters would be taking a tough line on drafting, which did mean that you had to concentrate all the time. There were a large number of bikes on the road & it was not always easy to keep the required distance apart. The course is very hilly with one severe climb proving especially challenging the second time round. There is also a very fast descent, which everyone else seems to be able to go down twice as fast as I am. There are plenty of food & drink stations on route, but I find it takes a bit of practice to pick up bottles, bars or gels on the move. I start to feel rather tired around the 45-mile mark, but still managed to pick a few people off over the last 11 miles. It was however with great relief when the castle gates were at last in view. Once in transition my bike was taken from me & I headed for the run tent to pick up my run bag & change into my running gear. Penny & I had walked part of the course the previous day, but I was still not prepared for the severity or the duration of the climbs. We had to do two laps & there were two severe climbs on each lap, which reduced a number of competitors to a walk. I was determined not to walk, but was reduced to a slow jog for a large part of each climb. The run terrain was a mixture of grass, tarmac, stony & muddy tracks which at least gave the legs some respite. The run actually seemed to pass quite quickly & I was soon into the last mile & could hear the music & the commentary from the finish area. It was a great feeling to hear my name read out as I passed through the finish & was given my finishers medal & T-shirt. I soon met up with Penny & Simon who had both had good races, with Simon gaining a Hawaii slot.....fantastic.
The organisation of the event was brilliant, & everything had been very well planned. There was plenty of parking, the course was well marked out & friendly helpers were available whenever you needed them. The atmosphere was brilliant with plenty of spectators around the course to cheer you on. The race is a must for anyone wanting to do a challenging Half Ironman.
| Overall Placing |
Category |
Category Placing |
Name |
Total Time |
| 52 |
40- 44 |
5 |
Karl Sherry |
04:34:15 |
| 112 |
50 – 54 |
1 |
Simon Edye |
04:48:33 |
| 256 |
35 – 39 |
59 |
John Roberts |
05:05:10 |
| 269 |
40 – 44 |
28 |
Simon Cook |
05:05:54 |
| 312 |
55 – 59 |
1 |
Micky Powell |
05:10:01 |
| 669 |
50 - 54 |
15 |
Glen Nelson |
05:37:48 |
| 711 |
60 – 64 |
3 |
Patrick Kerrison |
05:40:19 |
| 835 |
45 – 49 |
7 |
Penny Edwards |
05:50:33 |
| 1103 |
50 - 54 |
5 |
Heather Hollister |
06:14:48 |
Total number of finishers 1419.
Second report by Simon Edye
The only Ironman event in the UK costs £120 to enter. However with closed road for the bike, just under 1000 volunteers helping on race day, and the outstanding parkland setting of Sherbourne Castle and lake, it has to be one of the best value races.In order to take full advantage of the race a long weekend is necessary, AND By Friday night a significant proportion of Tri Anglia’s finest had assembled in Dorset.After a disappointing Pasta Party on the Friday night, Saturday was taken up with to and fro with bike and bags of kit, and much fretting about the weather which was forecast as rain moving in from the South West.
Race day, however dawned fair. Two swim waves of 600 and 900 people made for a crowded swim for some. The two lap Bike course was undulating and technical, which at least kept the concentration high. The run was brutal, two laps with a long hill at 1 and 7 miles, and a shorter one at 3 and 9 miles.
After the pain came glory with Mick Powell and Simon Edye winning the 55 -59 and 50 -54 age groups, Pat Kerrison in 3rd place, as well as several other top ten placing. Simon Edye will be joining Karl Sherry (who qualified last year) at the start line of the Hawaii Ironman in October. Mick Powell had a place by right, but had already booked a holiday in Kenya, so will be chasing lions and tiger.
Page created: 2004. Last updated: 2004.