Wight Tri athletes Jan Fletcher and Chris Jackson delivered standout performances in 2 demanding mainland events at the weekend, battling freezing water, brutal conditions and even territorial swans to secure impressive results.
Taking on the Outlaw Half Ironman at Holme Pierrepont Country Park in Nottingham on Sunday (17th May), Jan Fletcher produced a determined display to finish in 5 hours and 23 minutes despite what she described as punishing conditions.
Race organisers had spent the days leading up to the event treating the lake for a blue-green algae bloom, while competitors were left in the dark over the water temperature.
On race morning, the swim leg was reduced from 1,900m to 1,500m due to the cold conditions.
Launching into the water in the time-trial start, Jan immediately felt the impact of the freezing temperatures and admitted she considered pulling out halfway through the swim.
After battling through the opening leg, she emerged from the water severely cold before settling into the 56-mile bike course, which she said was far from the “flat” route organisers had advertised.
Competitors faced potholes, gravel, road humps and a cattle grid, all while riding into strengthening winds.
Jan then dug deep during the half marathon run, overcoming tired legs and relentless headwinds to secure an impressive finish.
Her efforts saw her finish first in the women’s 50-54 age category, qualify for the GB Age Group Middle Distance European Championships 2027, place 3rd in the Police Sport UK Half Ironman Championships and finish first for Hantspol Tri.
Meanwhile, fellow Wight Tri athlete Chris Jackson enjoyed success at the Arundel Sprint Triathlon on Sunday.
The event featured a 400m lido swim, a 19km bike ride and a 4.6km run beneath Arundel Castle.
Chris completed the course in 1 hour and 22 minutes, finishing 30th out of 65 women and 2nd in her age category.
The run route also brought an unusual obstacle, with competitors diverted around nesting swans that had taken over part of the course.
