By Major Chris Townson, Company Commander No 5 (Anzio) Company
Sunday 2 July saw over 70 cadets and staff supporting the annual Bolton Ironman Triathlon, this being the 15th year that we have supported the event. The event is a huge challenge for the competitors and support staff alike with the competitors swimming 2.4 miles, cycle 112-mile cycle and a marathon (26.2miles) a total of 142.6 miles all to be completed in 17 hours.
The Company was split between 2 locations providing assistance at Pennington Flash and Bolton. For the 25 cadets and staff from predominantly Leigh, and Tyldesley detachment it was a very early start meeting at the Flash for 4am with 3 jobs to complete by 10:30am. First task was to meet all the competitors and collect their white bags with personal possessions and loading them onto a vehicle to be taken to the finish. Secondly the team assisted with blue bags which contained the competitors’ wetsuits after they had changed from the swim to start the cycle. Finally assisted with collapsing of the bike racks before going home for a well-earned rest.
The second team over 45 cadets and staff met on Chorley new road in Bolton Sunday morning, with a few joining them after they had finished at Pennington Flash. The team had to set up the feed station and maintain it for approximately 12 hours. Over 800 competitors passed through the feed station 3 times during their marathon. The team was in full voice cheering on the runners whilst laughing and joking with them to keep their spirits high. It was a long day for them as the last competitor passed through the feed station just before 11pm.
All day I received nothing but praise and compliments from the organisers, public and competitors.
This turned out to be a bit of an iconic moment for the Company as it has been announced that next year Bolton will only be running a 70.3 mile event.
A huge well done everyone!
For more pictures, please click here.
Thank you to SI Steve Redmond for the pictures from Pennington Flash.
#GmanACFforceforgood #goingfurther #inspiretoachieve #volunteer
