Zone 3 Coniston Epic Swim 2012

The sun shone and the lake was chilly, but overall everyone had a great day and went home happy! One week ago we were concerned whether the event would be possible due to cold weather and water temperature then we were blessed with a great week and everything changed. A water temperature reading was taken on Wednesday and it looks great at 13.5-14 degrees, based on that we were all go! Saturday arrived and the Epic team swam the 3.8k course to check out the conditions and there had been a noticeable drop in temp. The strong Northern wind was creating quite a ‘chop’ on the lake which was washing the top foot of water along the lake and washing away with it, the 13.5-14 degrees..

The forecast for Sunday was calm and at 8:00am we hopped in to the flat waters for a test swim and even at that early hour, the sun had warmed the water.. smiles all round and we were ready to go. We decided against tradition not to run the ‘head shoulders knees and toes’ warm up for 500m swimmers, preferring to get them started as soon as possible. As they exited the water there were several complaints about the distinct lack of communal singing, with a few people exclaiming that they had entered largely for the singing..

For the 3.8k and 1 mile swims communal singing was very much back on the menu and the voices rang out so clearly across the lake that I momentarily considered a Britain’s Got Talent entry.. ‘Only Men Allowed’ were great (although admittedly they were just a big choir) and the ladies who mad the final with their synchronised swimming act must also be applauded, but putting them both together?

There are too many stories to list from the weekend and past events so I’ll just pick one. Congratulations to Jeniffer Hunter, pictured front 2nd right, who overcame several significantly obstacles to enter her 1st open water swim. Unfortunately the trip from Glasgow took a little longer than expected and she missed the 500m start time. Undeterred she then swapped to the mile and completed the first 800m loop, proving the point to herself and to those supporting. That officially makes you an open water swimmer.. well done to all.

For the next installment of our Zone 3 Epic Lakes Series we move to Derwent Water on June 17th, before the finale at Ullswater, 15th July. Don’t forget the Morecambe Bay Mile Swim, August 5th. We hope to see you all there, enjoy the rest of the good weather!

Results for the Coniston Epic Swim are HERE

Photos can be found HERE

Regards

Epic Events

Clitheroe Triathlon 2012, Jeffrey Hill Revisited..

The Clitheroe Triathlon takes place Sunday August 19th 2012 and once again challenges the mighty Jeffrey Hill!! The event consists of a 400m pool swim, 30k cycle and 6.5k trail run, taking place in great surroundings! This year the event is organised in conjunction with Tri Clan, one of the fastest developing triathlon clubs in the North West: http://www.triclan.co.uk/ .

The event is great for first timers or experienced athletes, providing a challenge for all ability levels. The pool swim is the comparatively easy part, followed by a challenging cycle ride on scenic roads, including the steep ascent of Jeffrey Hill. The event finishes with a trail run along the river Ribble, finishing back at Ribblesdale Swimming Pool. There’s plenty of free parking, the event is chip timed and all finishers receive a technical event shirt. There’s always a great atmosphere at this event and results will be available later the same day on the epic events website. To read more, check the routes and to enter, take a look at the event page HERE.

We look forwards to seeing you there

Regards
Epic Events

Coniston Epic Swim Update..

Water temperature on the course was at best 11 degrees so we are watching the weather and temperature over coming 2 weeks to see if we can creep the water up to a manageable 13/14 degrees. The long range forecasts seem to be changing on a daily basis but they are changing for the better.. Water temperature will be measured again next weekend and then on Wednesday 23rd before any decisions made. Stick with us and fingers crossed we’ll see you all there May 27th and we’ll be swimming the full distances!!

Regards
Epic Events

The Lakeland Loop Sportive 2012

A great day out yesterday for all competitors, albeit it a little chilly! The sun was out early and a brave few opted for shorts, hoping that the early climbing would warm them up. Most of the 650 riders had departed by 10:00am and made their way via the Lorton and Santon Bridge food stops to reach the mighty Hardknott Pass. I rode as sweeper and as I approached the pass, could see a long line of coloured dots ascending to the sky.. some walking and some who appeared to be ‘track standing’ on their bikes and attempting to edge their way up the super steep switchbacks. Wrynose from the East is always an easier affair, but the descents on both are extremely treacherous, so well done to everyone for taking note of the warning signs and getting down safe!!

We raised a sizeable sum of money for the Frilly Lillies charity, funding activity holidays for special needs children, which was added to your food stops donations. The event also raised funds for our own charity EpicKidz, which funds voluntary groups providing sport and recreation activities for kids and families in the North West. Thanks to all for your support and contributions.

Final thanks to all the team who helped to make the event a success and we’re sure that everyone who opted for a massage at the end of the event appreciated it! Thanks to the guys at www.physioworld.net for providing their support, all epic events competitors receive free initial consultation and treatment at any physioworld clinic by quoting the code epicphysio.

Results are now available HERE

Photos are now available HERE

Our next event is Horwich Triathlon, Sunday May 6th and our next Sportive is the Cumbrian Cracker which takes place in November and will be on the site in next couple of weeks.

Look forwards to seeing you soon..

Regards
Epic Events

The water is almost open..

The Zone 3 Epic Lakes Open Water Swim Series

There has been a great response so far which perhaps has been governed by the early warm weather! I’m sure a few people have already considered an early dip and I’m sure there’s a brave few who have already done so! Each of the Zone 3 Epic Lakes Series events include 3 separate distances on each day. The 500m swim is for juniors and novices who are looking for their first open water experience and the 3.8k is for those wishing to swim longer and for those who are targeting long distance triathlon events. Our most popular event is the mile loop which always attracts a large following! For more information or to join us, GO HERE NOW

The Morecambe Mile Open Water Sea Swim

The Morecambe Mile open water sea swim is back for 2012, taking place on August 5th. The 1 mile loop starts from Morecambe Town Hall and this year, there is a 500m event specifically for juniors and novices. The sea front at Morecambe offers amazing Lakeland views and on August 5th, it will be swamped with neoprene clad swimmers ready to take to the waters. For more information or to join us, GO HERE NOW 

Wednesday Evening Open Water Swim Training Starts May 9th at ’3 Sisters Waterski’ in Wigan.

Our weekly open water swim training sessions start Wednesday May 9th at 3 Sisters Waterski in Wigan. The sessions run from 7:00pm – 8:00pm and there are a selection of coach lead groups from novice through to elite! The session is £5 paid on the night, but you need to sign up online (no charge) beforehand to add yourself to the register. For more information and to register GO HERE NOW

Open Water Swim Wetsuits at Amazing Prices!

If you are looking for your first wetsuit, or perhaps you are looking for an upgrade in 2012, The Endurance Store have some amazing deals for you. Some suits are discounted by more than 50%, with all sizes currently in stock. It’s important that you try on your suit before you choose to ensure the fit is right for you. They’re just off junction 27 of the M6 so call in and see them. To see the current offers available GO HERE NOW

Regards
Epic Events
www.epicevents.co.uk
events@epicevents.co.uk

Race Report, Parbold Duathlon 2012.. what a difference a week makes!

The weather was a vast improvement on last weekend, the daffodils were in bloom and tri-suits were the order of the day at Parbold Duathlon 2012. The pace at the front of the opening run was hot, with John Fletcher stretching the field whilst many competitors seemed to take it easy and enjoy the sunshine, after all, there was the best smile competition to take into account..

Onto the bikes and the fast movers were Phil Ellison who sliced his way through the field into second place by T2 and Maddy Winzer who headed the ladies into T2 and continued to show a clean pair of heels all the way to the finish line, ahead of Anne Thomas and Rachel Borland. Mark Roberts was a clear winner in the men’s event, Phil Ellison held on for 2nd and Mark Tickle came through the line in 3rd position.

Story of the event was Kevin Avery, 68 this year. Only 12 months ago he found himself in intensive care after being struck by a car whilst cycling. Much rehab got him back walking, then cycling and today he raced parbold with his son Garry and completed the course in 2 hours 18 minutes, having tackled the hill 3 times.

Thanks to everyone who supported us today, results are available at www.epicevents.co.uk and photos can be found at www.sportsunday.co.uk

Our next event is Horwich Triathlon on Sunday May 6th. It’s a classic event and one of the oldest in the North West, if you enjoyed the challenge of Parbold Hill, you’ll love the run to Rivington Pike. To read more and enter GO HERE

On a final note, the best smile? Wayne Booth from Team Pie according to the marshals.. they are easily charmed

 

Race Report, Fire Fighters 2UP Duathlon, 2012

This report was written by special correspondent Chris Rainford:

^{Sunday March 4th saw the running of the inaugural Firefighters 2UP Duathlon, in sunny Bolton. The concept was the brainchild of Ironman author Chris Rainford and the idea was turned into reality when he approached Marc Laithwaite of Epic Events. Chris’s idea was to ‘spice up’ the usual duathlon format whilst encouraging a partner/friend/wife/son/daughter to participate in an event they’d usually be watching. And so on Sunday March 11th 2012, the traditional cycling ‘2UP’ format was moulded into a duathlon with fantastic results.}

^{the event was nearly ‘scuppered’ before it began with sideways sleet causing the start to be put back 2 hours whilst the roads became rideable and the temperature warmed up a little. This lead to 160 athletes ‘huddled’ in a warm pub for 2 hours, prompting much reluctance to rack their bikes when transition eventually opened!}

^{The race got underway with local athletes Paul Guinan and Matt Nuttall from Lancs Fire Service ‘blasting out’ a very quick 21:25 on the hilly 3.6 mile course. They were closely followed by Ian Lawton and Ian Roberts of team TORQ (not team Ian as repeatedly screamed by one of their mothers!).}

^{The majority of the field had read the race notes suggesting trail shoes, leaving only a tiny few slipping and sliding on the steep fells, with hilarious results for the many spectators. Guinan’s and Nuttall’s lead was obliterated on the bike as team Ian came ‘storming through’, in what only can be described as tsunami road conditions.}

^{The wet conditions did play into the hands of GMC Fire Service duo Chris Rainford and Neil Mercer. Their intimate knowledge of the course, coupled with their superior bike handling skills, saw them record the fastest bike split of the day (48:15), taking them into 2nd place. Unfortunately Rainford’s legs ‘capitulated’ on the final section, allowing Guinan and Nuttall to steal 2nd behind team TORQ, who’s final run time of 22:20 brought them home in clear first place.}

^{The ladies race was a much closer affair all the way through. Arragon Tri team Janet Treviskis and Lisa Waistell used their Ironman strength to pull ahead on the final run section and snatch victory in a time of 2 hours and 15 minutes. The first mixed team prize (first time ever for a duathlon!) went to Tyne and Wear team Natalie Bately and ‘Slow Al Heatley’, they were the perfect example of what made this event a success.}

^{The most amazing feat of the day went to the marshals who stood their ground in the blizzard conditions, without them, the event could not have taken place. Feedback suggest that the event was a ‘huge hit’ and the format will no doubt be repeated, perhaps not only in duathlon? Endurance sports have become so popular and athletes are continuously looking for something which is ‘a little out of the envelope’. The concept of racing with your ‘mates’ would appear to be a real vote winner. A 2UP Ironman may not be on the horizon, but if it does happen at some time in the future.. it was born in Lancashire!!}

Parbold duathlon, Sunday March 11th, final 20 places remaining..

Just over 2 weeks to go and we’re down to the final 20 places for this year’s Parbold Duathlon, which takes place Sunday March 11th 2012, from the Farmer’s Arms pub in Hildale, Lancashire.

The duathlon is a classic on the NW calendar and one of the best openers for the season. The event is a 5k run on quiet roads, 27k road cycle and final 5k run to the finish. The tricky part of this event is Parbold Hill which you climb on the bike, 3 times in total! This event is always a popular one with both elites and first timers and it has a great ‘informal’ feel and ‘local’ atmosphere.

The route is tough and at the end you’ll be glad to cross the line, but you’ll be cheered on by the crowds who gather at the side of the road for this spectator friendly event.

Don’t miss out on this classic event!!

To read more and to enter GO HERE NOW

Parbold Duathlon, Sunday March 11th, the final 20 places remaining..

We’re down to the last 20 places for this year’s Parbold Duathlon, which takes place Sunday March 11th 2012, from the Farmer’s Arms pub in Hildale, Lancashire.

The duathlon is a classic on the NW calendar and one of the best openers for the season. The event is a 5k run on quiet roads, 27k road cycle and final 5k run to the finish. The tricky part of this event is Parbold Hill which you climb on the bike, 3 times in total! This event is always a popular one with both elites and first timers and it has a great ‘informal’ feel and ‘local’ atmosphere.

The route is tough and at the end you’ll be glad to cross the line, but you’ll be cheered on by the crowds who gather at the side of the road for this spectator friendly event.

Don’t miss out on this classic event!!!

To read more and to enter GO HERE NOW

Horwich Triathlon, Sunday May 6th 2012, Race to the Pike..!

The Horwich triathlon is back for 2012, taking place on Sunday May 6th. This event is a great opener for the year and the perfect event to test your endurance. Last year the event attracted 300 competitors from all over the UK, it is one of the oldest triathlons in the North West.

The 500m pool swim takes place in Horwich Leisure Centre, the first waves start at 7:30am and the final wave closer to 12 noon. The challenging 40k cycle route crosses the Lancashire Moors, taking in part of the IMUK triathlon route. The final 9k run follows roads and trails, climbing to the high point of Rivington Pike, before a rapid descent brings you all the way back to the finish line.

You can read more by checking our web page HERE
You can check out the cycle course by CLICKING HERE
You can check out the run course by CLICKING HERE

Hope to see you there..

Regards
Epic Events