Full Width Page

2017 Deva Diva’s ‘The Full Story’

Admin

The first ever ‘Ladies Only Quadrathlon’ IN THE WORLD took place on 16 July 2017 on the banks of the River Dee in Chester, running in parallel to the Deva Divas Triathlon which, in 2016, won the coveted British Triathlon ‘Event of the Year’, Triathlon England ‘Club Event of the Year’ and also North West ‘Regional Race of the Year’! It being the 11th year of the Deva Divas which aims to encourage women into the sport of triathlon, organisers Sally Napthen and Jean Ashley wanted to celebrate with something a little bit different – hence the Deva Divas Quadrathlon – if ever there was history in the making, this was it!

The 30 places available were snapped up in a matter of days – the event sold out before Christmas and the waiting list grew and grew as a result of advertising by word of mouth and the BQA. The biggest draw to the race, apart from it being a World First (did I mention that?!) was the fabulous 12-week canoe course (from beginner to K1 paddler) that the Queen of Quad, Jean, along with Chester Canoe Club coaches John and Carol Hatton offered as part of the training package. And 16 of our Deva Divas took them up on it. Much to the surprise and delight of all three coaches, all the ladies progressed rapidly; so much so that for the day of the race, the type of kayak that was required meant boats were borrowed from canoe clubs far and wide – a big thank you to all!

The morning of the race dawned and it was a bit drizzly, but that did absolutely nothing to dampen the spirits of the Quadrathlon ladies. All the kayaks were laid out by the wonderful helpers, whilst all the participants racked their bikes, helmets, paddles, buoyancy aids and other race paraphernalia in transition. After a very entertaining race briefing and group warm up for all the quadrathletes and triathletes, we walked together to the swim start upstream. Us quad ladies were the first to go off at 8:20 and after a quick Oggy Oggy Oggy, the race official blew the foghorn and we were off.

As a strong swimmer, Jacqueline Davies took the lead immediately on the swim (13:29) followed closely by Quad newcomers Adele Blakeborough (14:07), Alison Rosenburgh (14:32) and Susan Redfern (14:34). The other ladies swam well with big groups coming in together at around the 16 – 18 minute mark, making the most of the downstream flow. All finished safely well under 30 minutes. Meanwhile at the head of the race, Adele’s prowess in a kayak was soon demonstrated and she passed Jac very quickly on the upstream section and continued to gain distance finishing over 1 minute ahead (23:24) of Jac (24:47). At the same time, other positions were changing and the more experienced quadrathletes’ paddling experience came to the fore with Mary White edging into 3rd (26:40) and Vicky Price into 4th (27:26). Alison held onto 5th (29:40) but Nicola Perrins, Laura Turner and Sandy Bebbington were only less than a minute behind. The rest of the girls all finished the kayak section without any mishaps – this was the first quad in the UK this year where there have been NO impromptu dips – that in itself is a miracle and is a testament to the quality of canoe coaching from Jean, John and Carol!

Back to the racing, Adele was first out on the bike course with Jac in hot pursuit. Jac managed to make the catch just before the turn point and finished the bike course with the fastest split (50:09) with Adele in 2nd place (52:42). Mary, with a strong bike split (52:28) held onto 3rd but all the other top positions were moving around. Nicola moved up into 4th (52:30) with Vicky in 5th (53:39), but Lisa Grantham with the second fastest bike split of the day (50:15) moved up to 6th place followed by Hilary Boxer in 7th (52:57) with Sandy in 8th (59:57). All successfully completed the bike course in under 1:15 and were then out onto the fourth and final (thank goodness!) discipline – the run!

At this point Jac was leading by about 1 minute, but Adele was slowly reeling her in. Jac managed to stay out in front, but only just, finishing in a total time of 1:56:59 with Adele in 2nd place only 19 seconds behind in 1:57:18. Mary, after posting the 3rd fastest run split of the day (24:15), claimed a fantastic 3rd place in 2:04:02. Nicola retained 4th position in 2:07:59, but an astonishingly quick run by Lisa (21:07) posting the fastest run split, ensured she moved up into 5th place overall in 2:08:26. Hilary had a strong run and moved into 6th place in 2:12:41 with Vicky not far behind in 2:14:44 and Alison moved back up into 8th place with a time of 2:15:03. Every single Deva Diva Quadrathlete started and finished with a great deal of determination and panache

RESULTS
1st Jacqueline Davies (Vet 50) – 1:56:59
2nd Adele Blakeborough (Vet 40) – 1:57:18
3rd Mary White (Vet 60) – 2:04:02
Senior 23 – 39 Vicky Price – 2:14:44
Vet 40 (roll down) Nicola Perrins – 2:07:59
Vet 50 (roll down) Anne Collins – 2:17:38
Vet 60 (roll down) Margaret Huyton – 2:24:29

Results Deva-Divas-2017

Photos Deva Divas-2017photos

Film Footage devadivastri/quad 2017

‘As a competitor of this wonderful inaugural Ladies Quadrathlon and on behalf of everyone else who raced, I would like to say a Huge Thank You to Jean, Sally, John, Carol, our own transition/kayak support Dave and Cliff and to Chester Tri and Chester Canoe Club for an amazing ‘Deva Divas Quadrathlon’ yesterday! As Jean has already said, we certainly shared ‘The Quad Passion’. The Quad ran beautifully next to the triathlon and it was lovely to see so many women competing – I’m not surprised it has won so many awards. However, I think we managed to spark the interest of a lot of triathletes yesterday – I suspect the entries next year for the Deva Divas Quad will sell like hot cakes!

And finally ladies, especially those 25 of you who are new to this wonderful sport, a massive congratulations to you all; you are now Quadrathlon Queens – wear those beautiful t-shirts with pride! You are also the ‘Prime of Mrs Jean Ashley’!  …….. written by Jacqueline Davies

‘Feeling Proud’ Jacq’s Trophy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dynamic Deva Divas – The First Ever Ladies Only Quadrathlon 2017

Admin

On Behalf of the BQA I Just wanted to say a Huge Thank You ‘Chester Tri’ and Chester Canoe Club for an Amazing ‘Deva Divas Quadrathlon today!  We certainly shared ‘The Quad Passion’ they all just Loved it, as 30 of them took to the water, 25 of them being first timers! The atmosphere was brilliant the camaraderie and racing superb, these girls just had the Best day Ever!

A massive thanks to my Triathlon club ‘Chester’ who agreed to add the Quad to Ladies only Deva Divas, thanks to the all those who prepared the race venue and course, safety and technical teams, all marshals across 4, cake makers, commentators ‘with wonderful banter’, and the list goes on and on! Special mention to our Race director Sally Napthen who held it all together, and for agreeing to add that extra discipline!

A Huge thanks also, to my Chester Canoe Club for organizing the 12 week canoe coaching course, half of them couldn’t paddle at the start, but by race day every single one of the girls paddled a K1! True commitment from the girls and superb coaching  produced rewarding results!

As always I’m so proud to be part of these 2 wonderful clubs, it was so good too see our members giving so much back and encouraging every single athlete along the way … in True Quadrathlon Style!

Also a Big Thanks to my friend Antony Dala for carving our Amazing Trophy!

As the organizer this time, I wanted a race report from one of our competitors,         so  Jacqueline Davies is doing one for us very soon along, with the full results … watch this space!

Special Congratulations go to our Overall winners & Age Groupers   20031707_1349122725201237_1117304957961392633_n

1st Jacquleine Davies (Vet 50)
2nd Adele Blakeborough (Vet 40)
3rd Mary White (Vet 60)

Age Groups
1st Senior Vicky Price
1st Vet 40 Nicola Perrins
1st Vet 50 Anne Collins
1st Vet 60 Margaret Huyton

 

 

Thanks again Everyone … We made Quad History today!   Jean ‘Deputy Race Director’

 

Its here’ Deva Divas Quadrathlon 2017′

Admin

WP_20170713_002This Trophy could be YOURS ….. The Deva Divas Quadrathlon’ is almost here ….. It’s going to be a very special day for ‘British Quadrathlon’ as 30 Ladies take to the water for the ‘First ever Ladies only Quadrathlon in the World’ This race also has the backing of the WQF (World Quadrathlon Association) and ‘British Canoeing’ they wish you all a great and enjoyable race!

Personally I am so pleased Race Organizer ‘Sally Napthan’ and Chester Triathlon Club agreed to let me add this extension to the ‘Infamous Deva Divas Sprint Tri’ …. it will be history in the making and a huge thank-you to all at the Tri Club and Canoe Club that have helped make this possible!

I have met well over half of you and had great pleasure in coaching 16 of you who joined our Deva Divas Canoe Course at Chester Canoe Club 12 weeks ago! Myself and club coaches have been inspired to how hard you have worked and so pleased you have all progressed to K1 race kayaks … showing true commitment!

I am very excited about Race Day … as its a First for many of you, and a first for me as I’ve never been on the sidelines organizing a Quad before! I will be cheering every single one of you, as you complete each one those four disciplines, and will be waiting for you all at that finish line!

The Distances will be 750m Swim, 4km Kayak, 25km Bike, 5km Run. The Quad wave will start at 8.20am followed by the 2 Triathlon waves at 8.30 and 8.40 …. this is a brilliant opportunity for all you Girls who know when 3 disciplines just aren’t enough! Its a real honor to be part of the Deva Divas Race, it has WON the ‘British Triathlon Federation’s 2016 Race of the Year Award’ the only race to have ever won it twice!

Looking Forward to meeting you all, have a fantastic day and believe me there is the BEST Cake EVER waiting for you at the Finish Line …. now there’s an incentive…. who doesn’t just love cake!

See you Sunday … Its time to be a DEVA DIVA!!                                                                                       Jean Ashley

…. and an extra Thank-you to Antony Dala who made me this beautiful trophy, its stunning!

The details are on our Chester Triathlon Website chestertri.org.ukdeva-divas-quadrathlon

 

 

Quadkidz are here to Stay!

Admin

We launched ‘Quadkidz’ at Dearne Valley and it was so good to see those youngsters taking part in the first ever Junior Quadrathlon. We had lots of excellent feedback and the young athletes really enjoyed the challenge, so much so, the BQA asked Mark Pryor at very short notice to add a junior race to his Box End Quadrathlon, so big thanks to Quadrac Racing for giving us the opportunity to put on another race!

It fitted in perfectly and the juniors were included in the Sprint quad, doing a 200m swim, 2.2m kayak, 5km bike and a 2.2 run, a tough but safe off road course for these budding athletes! The eldest athlete 14yrs Max Underwood Frost (Lincsquad) was first home in 48.56, a good strong performance and finishing very well! The Joseph boys (Lincsquad) were out in force too, Ewan 11yrs came next 56.41 a good consistent effort staying focused and strong to the finish! . The two nine year olds did brilliantly, as this course was hard, but both of them dug deep and finished very well, Hermione Ball (Wrexham Tri) struggled in an over sized kayak but she got round, she loved the bike and I caught her smiling and waving to me when I saw her on the run, she finished in 1.19.53. Young Henry took it all in his stride and just kept going all the way, on the odd little rest he recharged his batteries and didn’t give up … I saw him a few times and it was certainly inspirational to see him pushing to the end 1.33.20. Well Done QuadKidz ……….. Just Brilliant and great to see them all on the podium!

We have set up a Points Series, this year we only have 2 races suitable for juniors – under 14. These are the results from the 2 Races this season quadkidz 2017.1

To celebrate the launch of Quadkidz the 3 juniors that did both races received a Quadkidz Kit bag … A Big Well done to Ewan, Hermione and Henry, and also well done to Max on winning Box End!

Lincsquad have a Junior Section ‘Squadlets’ and they are working on a training day with a possibility of a junior race in the future! The BQA are also looking into getting some second hand Lightning childrens kayaks, which will be available at Quadkidz races …. So watch this space ….. Exciting times ahead!

2017 BQA Standings after Race 3

Admin

The Race is certainly on in the Men’s National Trophy Series after 3 races its still wide open! At the moment Cliff Odgers is in the lead, closely followed by John Kavanagh and Andrew Lawson. Lance Ball is leading Vet 40, Cliff Vet 50 (roll down Andrew Lawson) and John Kavanagh Vet 60. There are several athletes that could certainly change the standings if they do the last 2 races! Chasing the leaders are Julian Brewer, after a strong win at Box End, Phil Holden, Pete Chappill and Nigel Leeson … so the race is on!

The Ladies Trophy has already been decided as Helen Russell has won 3/3 with only 2 races left no one can match her score. Vet 40 will role down to Sallie Joseph, Vet 50 Jean Ashley and Vet 60 Mary White. But I never like to think its over until the last race, but it in the ladies event it might just be!

Shrewsbury Quadrathlon is now full so if you need vital points and you’ve not entered make sure you take a trip to Bude and enter the Awesome Foursome … as ever it will live up to its name!

 

 

2017 World Cup Success at Brilliant Box End

Admin

World Cup Success for Europeans, GB athletes and for all Quadrathletes accross the age groups 11yrs to 67yrs!!

A Big Thanks to Mark Pryor and his Quadrac Team for organizing a brilliant World Cup Race at Box End Water Park. We woke up to blue skies and warm sunshine, though a bit breezy, it was ideal race conditions as the ground was dry and hard for the off road bike and run section.

It was a good turnout, and great to see top class athletes from Europe and GB sharing the same race course as the junior ‘QuadKidz’! We had lots of first timers and as always our regular BQA athletes which are the back bone of our great sport!

We had 2 athletes from Europe ‘Tom Svobod’ (CZ) and ‘Ricardo Novel’ (ESP), they came over for vital world cup points and left a great impression on our top athletes, both having outstanding races. Tom had very fast swim (08:10) coming in 2 and half minutes ahead of Helen Russell (10.41). Over a minute later there was a group of top age groupers, Nigel Leeson, John Kavanagh, Jacqueline Davis, Cliff Odgers John Durrant, Ricardo and U23 Billy Fadden, this made it a very hectic transition heading out onto the kayak session.

Tom was well ahead, and although he hasn’t been kayaking very long he made his borrowed stable K1 fly through the water doing the 2nd fastest kayak split (26:38). Ricardo soon pulled away from the others showing us how strong he is in the kayak producing the fastest time (26.02). It was 4 laps, a headwind  down, tailwind back, but very choppy across the top, this lead to quite a few capsizes, but all got back in with a smile! The good kayakers showed their skills coping with the wind and waves and moved up the field, newcomer Ewan Cox put in a fast time (27.05) with John Kavanagh (29.40). the next fastest were the ladies newcomer Alice Clarkson (30.23) and Jean Ashley (30.32). During the 4 laps the race started to unfold with Tom still in the lead going onto the bike, Ricardo 2nd. After a few minutes the next lot of athletes went out onto the bike, there was certainly going to be a battle for the top places as they were all very close. John K.  Cliff O. John D. (despite his capsizes) Ewan C. Nigel L. were all going to have to work very hard to hold there positions on the bike!

The bike was cross country 3 laps (5km laps), hard fast grass, flat at first and then undulating, with a short sharp hill and some long slopes up and down. It made a real interesting challenge and proved to be ideal for cross bikes. Tom kept his lead and was the fastest (35.44) Ricardo working hard but making no ground on Tom remained 2nd. Meanwhile places were being challenged as newcomer Nick Farnell moved up the field with the 2nd fastest split (39.32) and Julian Brewer (42.53) both moved past the others to start looking for that 3rd podium place! Young U23 Billy was also making up great time until a major mechanical stopped him, he had to run back to transition pushing his bike.

Nothing could stop Tom on the run, as he headed out for 1 5km lap of the bike course, again the fastest run (18.16) he went on to a clear win in 1.30.32. Ricardo also ran very well (21.38) to finish 2nd 1.41.01. Russel B. remained strong and took 3rd place, (1.52.20) this was a great achievement for Russel our first GB Athlete home and his first World Cup podium place! Nick F. came 4th (1.53.02) with young Billy having the 2nd fastest run of the day (20.34) to take 5th   (1.53.16) just beating John D. to 6th (1.53.24).

In the ladies race Helen Russell was 1st out of the swim with Jacqueline Davis a minute behind. Helen just stayed ahead in the kayak, with Jean Ashley paddling well to overtake Jacqueline moving into 2nd place. Helen went out onto the bike just 15 seconds ahead of Jean, but with Helen’s biking strength she stayed in the lead. Jean peddling a cross bike for the first time held 2nd place, with Jacq working hard to try and catch her. Meanwhile Mary White our amazing Vet 60 started to catch up as she put in the 2nd fastest ladies bike split! Helen ran well to take the win (1.56.53.). Jean was pushing as hard as she could on the run, as she was being chased down by newcomer Alice Clarkson. Alice overtook Jean on the final run in and I’m really pleased to say she’s now a Quadrathlon Convert and we will be most certainly be seeing her again! Alice 2nd (2.01.30) Jean 3rd (2.01.59) Jacq held onto 4th (2.06.27) and Mary 5th (2.07.20).

As ever race day isn’t only about the winners, it was so good to see lots of ‘first timers’ enjoying the challenge, especially new ladies smiling all the way! Throughout the whole race there was constant encouragement shared between athletes, friendly banter and certainly plenty of Feel Good Factor and Quadrathlon Passion being shared. Great to see clubs ‘Lincsquad’ and ‘MADCC’ supporting this race on mass!

I want to say a Big Thank-you to Mark Pryor for sticking by me and putting on the 2nd ‘QuadKidz’ race of the year! It was a last minute plan after the success of Dearne Valley Quad and it fitted perfectly into the main race.The juniors were inspirational, it’s a tough course for them! Plenty of us cheered them along as we raced, they certainly had to dig deep at times, but they and they all finished, with a smile and a huge sense of Achievement!

So good to see them out there, we are all proud of you …. And lets watch Quadkidz grow and grow, exciting times ahead for our juniors!

Results MENS

1st Tom Svoboda (CZ) – 1.30.32

2nd Ricardo Noval (ESP) – 1.41.01

3rd Julian Brewer (Vet 50) – 1.52.20

Vet 40 John Durrant – 1.53.24

Vet 50 (roll down) Nick Farnell – 1.53.02

Vet 60 John Kavanagh – 2.03.55

U23 Billy Fadden – 1.53.16

LADIES

1st Helen Russell (Vet 40) – 1.56.53

2nd Alice Mary Moore Clarkson – 2.01.30

3rd Jean Ashley (Vet 50) – 2.01.59

Vet 40 (roll down) Sallie Joseph – 2.20.30

Vet 50 (roll down) Jacqueline Davies – 2.06.27

Vet 60 Mary White – 2.07.20

U23 Louise Beedham – 2.45.01

Full Results Quadrathlon Box End 2017_07_02

QuadKidz

1st Max Underwood-Frost (14yrs)  – 48.56

2nd Ewan Joseph (12yrs)  – 56.41

3rd Hermione Ball (11yrs)  – 1.19.53

4th Henry Joseph (11yrs) 1.33.20

Once again a Big Thank-you to Mark Pryor, Quadrac Racing Team, marshals, all helpers and Box End Water Park for giving us this great race, they certainly did British Quadrathlon Proud by organizing this event, so thanks again Mark and Jill! Also thanks to Phil Holden for bringing his ‘Mobile Podium’ really added that special touch to the prize giving … Thanks!! 

It’s very good of the WQF to give us 2 World Cup races in the year, and we hope our European Athletes enjoyed our race and hospitality please spread the news and come back again!

Also a big thank-you to all YOU Quadrathletes that supported the race too, hope you had a great day, you chased your goals, loved the experience ….  and you’ll be back for more next year!

Congratulations to all our other BQA Members that raced!

MENS – 9th Nigel Leeson – 1.55.53

10th Cliff Odgers – 1.58.45

11th Russell Breyer – 2.00.30

13th Peter Chappill – 2.04.22

15th Ken Lovett – 2.07.38

16th Michael Toomey – 2.07.46

17th Lance Ball – 2.09.14

LADIES – 8th Margaret Huyton – 2.26.08

9th Donna Chappill – 2.27.57

10th Mandy Greenaway – 2.28.10

 

 

Quadkidz Points Series

Admin

We launched Quadkidz at Dearne Valley and it was so good to see those youngsters taking part in the first ever Junior Quadrathlon. We have set up a Points Series, at the moment we only have 2 races suitable for juniors (under 14). The next one is Box End, this is very similar to Dearne Valley as it is all contained within the Race Site. Any Junior wishing to take part can you email me – malpasashleys@btinternet.com and also the race organizer markquadman@gmail and let me know you are interested in taking part at Box End on 2nd July.

We now have an official ‘Quadkidz’ Race – so long as you come and support us!                  

SWIM 150m – KAYAK1.2km (1lap) – BIKE 5km (1 lap) – RUN 2km (lower lap of Bike Course) Please contact Mark Pryor for ‘YOUTH ENTRY discount QuadKidz rate £20. 

Any Junior that completes the 2 races in the series will be awarded a special prize in recognition of their achievements in this first year of Quadkidz! Hope to see you at Box End!

 

 

Norfolk Superhero Race Report 2017

Admin

Post Superhero Event

It was only the weekend we had been waiting for all year and here it was, forecast was good, no wind, no rain and maybe a little too much sun.  Riddy had done her back in dancing in heels the previous Saturday and Head Marshall Cath was on crutches with a shattered hip. Luckily Jess had rung round and we had the best set up to a Superhero ever. As per usual, the RUDD MARQUEE boys, Peter, Cliff, Seany and John all had their tops off and by Thursday the Marquee was up, ANTON WIMMER  had bought in the drinks, PHIL ELLIS had set up the WATER (Thank Goodness – never so much needed by so few for so long!) and bought the Monster Superhero Bar that lives in a barn, ALEC LOCHORE had set up the transition zone and and the flags were flying against a blue sky and a green marsh.

We also had extra help from ‘Super Steward’ WILL GARNETT, who was shimmying up tent poles to attach ADNAMS banners,  VICKI RINGER  setting up the bar, LUCY BIRKBECK doing all the heavy carrying round the office, SARAH GREEN dropping in prizes for the HOLKHAM COUNTRY FAIR, stayed and ended up unloading 98 kayaks with NIALL who had just popped in to show his face. MARK LAPPING, PHIL ELLIS and SIMON WILSON STEPHENS were out marking the course and everything was feeling calm. CHARLES and BRYGIDA BOURNE of URBAN ARMOUR, our wonderful  medal sponsors even treated us to a delicious HERO pub take out.

Friday check in and the rumours were flying around… Was Niall really doing the superhero again, and who is this Alan Hill bloke….? Apparently it was going to hit 30 degrees on Saturday at about 2pm when everyone was on the run. What colour are the t-shirts this year? Who had got last minute places from the waiting list… there were two new Brothers whose name began with B, someone said they were from Yorkshire?  Were the red and white kayaks faster or slower than the others?  One of our sponsors couldn’t make it to the safety briefing so we worked out which was last years winning kayak from the curled up old stickers and baggsed it for him.  That caused quite a bit of consternation. Bikes and Ironman t-shirts were being openly paraded through the field. There was the sound of annual superhero friends greeting each other, ALGY’S POPCORN being scoffed and PINK LADIES taking scissors to their t-shirts, obviously wary of suntan lines.
CAPTAIN MARTYN FLITCROFT treated us to an excellent safety briefing, stressing the importance of hydration and common sense and MARK AND SIMON gave us all a good chat about sandbar tactics on the swim and outlined the importance of comradeship. Delicious carb loading supper prepared by SARA STOCKS of GREAT GRANOLA, who we are so pleased to get to help us with our food every year, as this is the only event she caters for. (Lucky us) Lots of new faces both amongst the marshals and competitors meant we were looking at the biggest event we had ever staged happening and we couldn’t wait.  We are always so happy to welcome new people to the superhero, but we also realise that the same people returning every year gives us that unique atmosphere that is always commented on. (We are thinking of bringing out a 10 year t-shirt so do get in touch anyone who wants and deserves one.)
We woke up in our Jess-painted bespoke pink, blue and star painted caravan to an even hotter morning than anticipated. A later start due to the tide meant Marshall safety briefing and bacon butties started at 8.30. When ‘tags out’ opened in HQ at 9.00, the field came alive to the smell of sun cream, fear and rubber.  DANNY and his mate from HOLKHAM were there on parking, TRI HARDER were in the field (even bringing a wetsuit for Nic Bizley who had forgotten his), FAT BIRDS were sorting out bikes, IAN WILLIAMSON and the massage crew had set up their tent. The boat marshals started turning up, always a good sign as it means the tide is coming in. Huge thanks to our new boat marshals, ROGER and ASH as well as SIMON, KEVIN, JIM and the ever loyal PETER BECK.
The walking party set off slowly in the sunshine, past the lovely marshals on the wall.  The boats were loaded with competitors and slowly Gun Hill became not just a place for nesting terns (thanks for not disturbing them) but for massing superheroes. A nice man from NATURAL ENGLAND  came to make sure we were all alright. Looking back to shore we could see the Lowland rescue boats, visible against the groynes and slight sandbar shadow, the tide was still coming in but it was never going to be a big one. ROLAND BEWICK’S FAKENHAM CANOE CLUB and NORTH NORFOLK RNLI PADDLE BOARDERS led by Liam were perfectly positioned on the beach when the call came through that the RNLI INSHORE LIFEBOAT was in the channel. We were were all ready to go, including JIM WHITESIDE and LOWLAND RESCUE. Someone hadn’t got a wetsuit , Stafford Proctor had a spare one, Someone hadn’t bought their goggles, Robert Gurney had some spare ones, photos were taken, bags stashed. The lifeguards formed a funnel and the count took place… 195!  Someone hadn’t made it to the start but it didn’t matter – The competitors dove into the water at 11.15.
Ideal swimming conditions on top of the water but maybe not enough water below meant we had a lovely calm CHEQUERS INN swim leg with absolutely no panicking swimmers and a wonderfully controlled escort of safety craft. Despite the fact that a lot of competitors could be seen walking the straightest line, it showed that it paid to stay in the channel, as this year, Abbie Thorrington set a new course record of 14:48.  Sam ‘shoulders’ Kendrick, last year’s paddle boarder leader, was on her tail but just could not catch her with 15:23. Second and third for the girls was Eve Dewsnap with 19:29 and Rachel Symington, our own swim coach with 19:59. Second and third for the boys were Tom Vickery with 15:51 and Rob Lines with 15:54. Pretty impressive.
We think we might have quite a lot of video footage on the LIVING LEADER kayak leg of PETE NAYLOR’s old teammate  from last year, Ben Jackson, as he was operating the drone camera of DRIFT MEDIA  alongside PAUL JOY which was up above you a lot of the time. Several kayaks went into the water backwards but the marshals did a wonderful job of creating a funnel of pink for ease of launching. All the kayaks turned at the right place, there was the usual scrum to get over the bank, and the short course was won by Lucy and Harry Hitchcock with a time of 36:30, followed by Saya Sheridan and Nicholas Bertrand 37:46, and Diane Swanepole and Rob Lines in hot pursuit with 38:39.  The long course obviously took a longer time with Dan Guppy and Simon Riches clocked round in 49:05, Paul Forster and Tom Vickery in 49.29 and Lex Brun and Matt Noble-Clarke squeaking third with 49.33.
Back in the field the marshals were working hard with James Holden and Stuart Cameron especially taking kayaks on the run from you all and stacking them all up in the trailers, whilst simultaneously directing spectators and beaming happily. The marshals were numerous, cheerful calm and strong throughout and that is what makes the superhero such a unique event in the triathlon and endurance racing world. You don’t get such great marshals everywhere apparently.
By the time the BARRATT & COOKE bike leg started, the day was getting hot. A lot of water was being taken by the competitors from all the marshal points. We were ready for you, water was moved around the course by our excellent NORFOLK AND SUFFOLK 4×4 boys and on the back leg of the course chilled bottles of water were being delivered personally by HQ.  Niall McCallum’s watch apparently beeped every 15 minutes; whereupon he would feed his partner, Alan Hill energy snacks or empty water bottles down him, this caused great hilarity of all surrounding them. Sadly the bike was calamitous for some, with Dylan Bogg and Roger Canham having a inter-team collision with each other on a corner, and poor Roger came away with a broken collar bone. Emma Littmoden came off at Sandringham and need 15 stitches (sorry, by the prize giving we had exaggerated that up to 17) in her shoulder. Finally, Ant Ringer came a cropper on the cattle grid and also broke his collar bone. Ow Ow Ow… we hope you are all making a good recovery.  David Horton Fawkes and Ben Hunter Watts proved that two surnames are better than one, when they won the bike leg with a time of 2:05:45. Jamie Carter and Andy Nunn came second with a time of 2:06:02 and Robert Gurney and Tim Hansell came third with 2:06:20. Well done to you all. That is always a contentious leg, well fought over.
The paramedics were busy dealing with the bike falls, so we were lucky to have amongst our marshal team, several other medical professionals, including, DI BLACK, KAREN SNOOK and TIM MORTON all of whom voluntarily stepped up to the challenge of keeping you safe; being alert to your physical and mental state and stepping in when required. Thank you to them and to you for heeding their advice. We had also trained up 12 of our marshals as first aiders on a course run by MARTYN FLITCROFT back in May for which we are very grateful. Good job none of them were required when Clare Birch got shot at whilst on her bike past Sandringham by someone shooting pigeons. Literally a piece of shot hit her face! She says she is going to dine out on that story.
So to the HOLKHAM run, it is often dispiriting for those runners to be leaving the field only to find the crowd has their backs to them as they have spotted the lead runners already coming back across the marsh having completed the epic last leg.  So how marvellous to have the GRESHAM’S Band powering through some very uplifting music which was floating out across the village.  Water that had been left in transition boxes for this final stage was by now at almost egg boiling temperatures, so it was wonderful to have jugs of cold water and more bottles available at bottom gate as dehydration would have been a bad move at this stage. big disappointment was felt to anyone who left their partner on the run, usual suspects guilty again. The conditions we had on Saturday were just the time when it is important to stick together, the buddy system which Simon talked about in a ‘mental health’ situation was just as relevant on the beach.  (We will not be inviting anyone back in 2018 who left their partner on the beach.) But luckily our true stalwart marshals were there for them, equipped with sun cream, bananas, cheers and even a fancy dress outfit or two. (What happens in the woods stays in the woods so we are told.) Our trailing pair of runners were given two bottles of chilled water at every checkpoint, which they found miraculous, as the temperature had indeed soared. A special mention to Ladies Marshall prize winners SAM GURNEY and VICKI RINGER who were at the beach outpost. Luckily though, there was wind on the Sahara straight and it was blowing right in your faces. The race for 1st place was tight, tighter than anyone wanted, wrong turns, lost partners, mirages in the desert – it was all happening out on the beach. The winners of the fastest run were Andrew Nunn and Jamie Carter with a time of 1:09:45, 2nd in the run leg were Simon Able and John O’Neal  and third were Lex Brun and Matt Noble-Clark with 1:13:26. Last year’ previous winner with Niall, DAVE WALKER came and was the medal giver as you all came over the finish line as Superheroes and were rewarded with VITACOCO
Ian Williamson and his massage team were having to work hard as the day was still hot.  The RQ CAPITAL ‘champions supper’ was delicious with GRAVES HOG ROAST and the usual scrum of extra Supper ticket administration.  BEN ZAVEN CRANE bought the party to the marquee with his eclectic and spot on prize giving sound track.
Mark and Simon did a great job of the speeches, the stories came out of the missing partners, the puncture repairers, and the new friends made along the way. The Lord Nelson Trophy had passed on to new hands, Niall has stepped away from his unbroken line of wins. The Ormegoddon Boys, Chris Langlois and Jon Holt had bought a special Guernsey bottle of Gin to hand on as the Spirit prize to the newly voted favourites, who had won the hearts of the marshals and competitors for taking part in the event in the true spirit of the Superhero.
LORD NELSON TROPHY

To Be Advised        Jamie Carter & Andrew Nunn        4:33:57

Ugly Five Zero        Matthew Noble Clark & Lex Brun        4:34:29

Cold Chips n Dip        Simon Riches & Dan Guppy            4:37:29

 

DAME EDNA TROPHY

No Payne No Gain    Matt Payne & Sheila Oxtoby            4:42:23

Small and Hall        Nick Littmoden & Frankie Hall        4:59:23

Tri Harder            Ben Walker & Eve Dewsnap             5:06:23

 

LADY HAMILTON CUP    

In Preparation         Emily Lochore & Nicky Knowles         5:16:09

The Brunettes         Emma Lloyd-Davies & Abbie Brun        5:34:08

Science Friction        Rebecca Hornby & Abbie Conway        6:04:38

 

ZIMMER TROPHY

Blood Sweat & Beers    Sam Kingston & Tim Murdoch        5:13:31

Beer Brothers        Philip & Martin Beer                5:17:52

Zimmer of Hope        Will & James Acworth                5:25:50

 

LOCAL TROPHY

Cold Chips n Dip        Simon Riches & Dan Guppy            4:37:29

 

WENSUM PLATE  

Cheese Crumpets    Tiffany Turner & Matt Turner-Jarvis        5:42:53

 

SPIRIT OF THE SUPERHERO

Young Guns        Oliver Jurascheck & Jack Pearce        6:25:39

 

WOODENSPOON

Moobs Like Jagger    Mark Widdowson & James McIntosh    7:39:13

 

MARSHALL PRIZE

Boys               James Holden & Stuart Cameron

Ladies             Vicki Ringer & Samantha Gurney

Our results are all posted on RESULTS BASE
Then all decorum went out of the window – tables were dragged outside for the view of the flags on the marsh, the pink ladies were back behind the bar, crutches were being raised above the dance floor and the teenagers were night swimming in the creek. The ‘Charles Miller Rose’ moment came at 2pm, after the gate crashers were ousted, Superhero hats were awarded to the special clearer uppers and a translator was required in order for us to communicate with pink lady Matthew. It was the latest after party we have ever had and did we mention your t-shirt s GLOW IN THE DARK! You have all been marvellous and posted all your photos on Instagram and Facebook – Thank you for your messages, we really appreciate them and will try, in the next few days, to pass as many as possible on to the PINK LADIES.
The great fact of it was, that we all had a lot of fun, even if it didn’t feel like it at the time.  It was a hot, gruelling, some say the hardest Superhero yet, some didn’t make it, but all of those who tried, all of those that did – and those that helped make it happen for everyone else, are all Superheroes.
In order for us to keep helping people, keeping that Superhero spirit alive: please could you keep fundraising, passing on those well wishers sponsorship to the following fund. The Norfolk Superhero Foundation, raising money for small local Mental Health and Well Being charities.

Here is our Virgin Money Giving page link: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charity-web/charity/displayCharityCampaignPage.action?charityCampaignUrl=norfolksuperhero2017

Or you can send us a cheque paid out to
“Norfolk Community foundation’
c/o Norfolk Superhero Challenge,
Painswhin Farm,
Helhoughton,
Fakenham
Norfolk
NR21 7BZ
And to end it all and to say thank you to you all for all your brilliant enthusiasm and thanks – have a little look at the video DRIFT MEDIA has put together for us.

P.S. We have got the date for next year and its the 16th June 2018, which is a BIG tide, but ‘shhhhhhhh!’ don’t tell anyone else, otherwise how are we going to fit you all in?
P.P.S. There are masses of photos on Facebook and Instagram do have a look – Click on the buttons below to bring them up and contact JEZ BATCH, our marvellous photographer, if you want any copies of this fantastic photos.

2017 GB World Cup ‘Box End’ & Quadkidz!

Admin

World Cup Action! All of you that raced individually at the Brigg Bomber will have World Cup Race points … its a GREAT feeling! If your Inspired and want more come to Box End Sprint Quad – 2nd July ….. there are more World Cup Points to be gained!

We now have an official ‘Quadkidz’ Race SWIM 350m – KAYAK1.2km (1lap) – BIKE 5km (1 lap) – RUN 2km (lower lap of Bike Course) Please use the entry form below, but state clearly ‘YOUTH ENTRY agreed with Mark Pryor – discount rate £20. 

box_end_quad_entry_form_02_July_2017

A very well established and superbly organized by Quadrac racing, the whole event held within the Box End Waterpark. It’s ideal for youngsters, beginners as it’s a sprint distance and support crews can see the whole race from the lovely lake side café. It’s the second time it has been give World Cup Status so we need to give this race the backing it deserves. Excellent camping on site too …. And you can even try your hand at wake boarding!

Don’t Miss this Great Race and enjoy the venue  with a lovely weekend of camping too!

Options open for Junior Entries but contact Mark Pryor for more information- markquadman@gmail.com

box_end_quad_entry_form_02_July_2017 

More information  Quadrac Racing

2017 BQA National Trophy Points

Admin

We have just seen the 2nd Quadrathlon in our National Trophy Series … and we have 7 athletes that have competed in the first 2 races, 3 male and 4 female. Cliff Odgers (Frome/BQA) is in 1st, John Kavanagh MADCC/BQA  2nd and Andrew Lawson (Lincsquad) 3rd.

In the ladies event we have Helen Russell (WorcesterCC/BQA) in 1st, Jean Ashley (Chester Tri/BQA) 2nd and Jacqueline Davies (Frome/BQA) in 3rd and Sallie Joseph (Lincsquad in 4th)

Race 3 is Box End … make sure you enter … plenty of BQA points to be taken and also WQF points, so you will have a British ranking and a World ranking if you compete! What an amazing sport we take part in … Be Part of the Quadrathlon Family! 

Just to remind you all The BQA runs a National Trophy Series of 5 events which contributes points towards finding a National Champion, with the best three results for each individual to count. Trophies are awarded each year, provided each winner has done 3 races in the series, and must be a current BQA Member. (In the event of a tie the 4th race points will count to decide the winner)

Overall Winners Perpetual Trophy for Male and Female. BQA Kit vouchers for winners Male and Female in each age category, Juniors (u23), V40+ V50+. V60+ V70+ (Role down if the overall winner is an age group athlete)
Eric Hatliff Memorial Trophy awarded each year ‘For Endeavor’ given to an athlete showing his enthusiasm and commitment to the sport of Quadrathlon.