Immortal Full Distance Triathlon race report 

 

Sunday 16th August greeted almost 100 participants, with perfect weather conditions, for the first ever Immortal Full Distance race.

The entry list consisted of several relay team, a couple of first time racers, and many, new to Full Distance racing

Based at the Thames Water Farmoor Reservoir facility, the almost 100 athletes eased into the reservoir for a 06:30hrs start. The generous in length, 2.4mile swim being 2 clockwise laps.

First solo athlete to exit the swim was David Reeves from Oxford Tri in 1hr 03:43, followed closely by Simon Woods in 1hr 03:45. The first Lady after the first phase was Lorna Silke from Swansea Bay Tri Club, in 1hr 25:38. Second lady at this stage being Sarah Kelman in a time of 1hr 27:10. 

The Bike course was made up of a circuit of left turns, following an expansive anti-clockwise loop around Farmoor, largely on quiet B-class open public roads. Some clever traffic management solutions were put in place to prioritise competitors at junctions. The course was largely flat and fast, with just a short single climb on each of the four laps. So quick times were anticipated.

Quickest Bike split in the Mens race was Roderick Elder of Tri-Force Herts. The only rider to post sub 5hrs in 4hr 59:11, followed by Matthew Tatton in 5hr 26:15

Quickest Lady Bike split was Helen Spiers in a time of 6hr 35:40, followed by the consistent Sarah Kelman in 6hr 38:11.

The run was to be a 5 lap affair, using the scenic paths and trails of Farmoor Reservoir. Part Tarmac and part footpath. Excellent spectating was available as athletes passed transition twice on each lap. Aside from the short slight ramps, on and off the Reservoir perimeter road, the run course again is largely flat in profile.

Back to the Mens race, several impressive Marathon times were recorded at the head of the field. Fastest being running specialist Chris Brobin, in a time of 3hr 34:10, followed by Andrew Ellins of Somerset RC Tri in an equally impressive 3hr 35:23

In the Ladies race, quickest was Hannah Sensecall in 3hr 57:29, followed by Helen Chapman in 4hr 13:54.

The top three overall, enjoyed some fantastic prizes, including £200 vouchers from Huub to the eventual Mens and Ladies winners. Final top three positions as follows

Men

1st,  Andrew Ellins, Somerset RC Tri,                                                 10hr 36:58

2nd, Chris Brobin,                                                                                   10hr 40:17

3rd, Anthony Gerundini, Lincoln Tri/TriTalk/Enduroman                   11hr 30:01

Ladies

1st, Hannah Sensecall,                                                                               12hr 21:56

2nd, Helen Chapman,                                                                                 12hr 47:22

3rd, Kate Fargus, Phoenix Tri Club                                                           12hr 52:17

Interesting final note, that for the first two ladies, it was their first ever Triathlon. Great commitment.

Thanks must go to Thames Water, and the Oxford Sailing Club, for allowing this event to take place at this fantastic facility. 

For full results please see https://www.fullonsport.com/event/5883/results

The 2016 version of the Immortal Full should be open for entries from 1st September 2015.

 

Credit to Natalie Brobin for the men's photo and the Lake image to James Gundry of Full on Sport