Runner-up triathlon World Champion Richard Iles and a team of three friends ranging from novices to Great Britain competitors completed an epic feat of endurance from 8th-14th August by finishing seven of the UK’s toughest full triathlons in seven consecutive days. To raise funds for the Trust the team pushed themselves beyond the limits to cover a massive 778.15km each in total, finishing the challenge with an Iron Man distance triathlon.
Before the event, Richard Iles, 50, said: ‘I don’t actually know if I can do it – it’s a genuine challenge, but it’s exciting.’
Co-athlete Tim Harris, 28, Manager of Downton Leisure Centre had only done three triathlons before attempting 7 in 7, he said: ‘7-in-7 will incredibly physically demanding but I’m determined to make it. The Trussell Trust is a great charity and its foodbank project is seeing a massive increase in need nationwide, so we wanted to do something to help people going hungry on our own doorstep.’
The whole team made it and at the end of the Forestman race on the last day Tim said: ‘The sense of achievement and pride that flowed through as I crossed the line … was incredible and a feeling that I won’t forget.’
Kev James, who has represented Great Britain and raced 13 Iron Mans also joined the team as did Steve Bailey, an amateur triathlete who battled injury to finish the challenge. An added twist to the tale was that Tim’s running partner Nicky became the accidental Iron Woman when she ended up completing her first Iron Man triathlon after initially planning on doing part of it to encourage Tim – well done Nicky!
All at The Trussell Trust are in awe of this incredible achievement and would like to say a huge thank you!
The 7-in-7 team hope to raise £7,000, please help them to reach their target by sponsoring them atwww.justgiving.com/racenewforest7in7
