The Off-Road Series has always had a reputation for being tough, but the 2015 WildMan was looking to be extra wild when, at around 8am on Saturday, the sleet suddenly transformed into thick snow ahead of the race.
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Over 600 athletes made their way to the army testing ground of Ash Ranges, ready to take on either a 10km or 15km trail run, or the duathlon where the hardy off-roaders would take on first a 10km run, then an 18km bike and a final 5km run tackling hills, mud, sand, bogs and pretty much every surface known to man.
The duathlon at the Off-Road Series is always a highly competitive affair, with many familiar faces returning to battle it out year after year. Tom Elwood came out top with a stunning time of 2:00:21, pulling out a superior bike leg after a run that was neck and neck. Rick Fetherston (Specialized Concept Store) was close behind in 2:01:44 and Ross Smith came in third in 2:03:55.
Jackie Field (Haslemere Borders Athletic Club) took the female win in 2:27:06, with Rachel Clay (Petersfield Triathlon Club) second in 2:29:56 and Ruth Purbrook third in 2:33:10. Ruth’s transition skills deserve a special mention – in and out of T1 in 31secs and T2 in 30secs.
Plaudits must go the hardy marshals and everyone who raced at WildMan to brave the extreme conditions. Look out for a race report in issue 321 of 220.
Human Race’s next off-roader is in two weeks’ time – the IceMan at Frimley, where you can ‘enjoy’ either an 11km or 16km trail run, or the duathlon (10km run, 18km bike, 5km run). To get 15% off your entry, Human Race have offered a discount code of OFFROAD15 when you enter online at www.humanrace.co.uk
Images: Matt Alexander/Human Race
The Off-Road Series has always had a reputation for being tough, but the 2015 WildMan was looking to be extra wild when, at around 8am on Saturday, the sleet suddenly transformed into thick snow ahead of the race.
Refusing to be beaten, the sun fought its way through and sunny conditions prevailed with a bright blue sky and biting November air.
Over 600 athletes made their way to the army testing ground of Ash Ranges, ready to take on either a 10km or 15km trail run, or the duathlon where the hardy off-roaders would take on first a 10km run, then an 18km bike and a final 5km run tackling hills, mud, sand, bogs and pretty much every surface known to man.
The duathlon at the Off-Road Series is always a highly competitive affair, with many familiar faces returning to battle it out year after year. Tom Elwood came out top with a stunning time of 2:00:21, pulling out a superior bike leg after a run that was neck and neck. Rick Fetherston (Specialized Concept Store) was close behind in 2:01:44 and Ross Smith came in third in 2:03:55.
Jackie Field (Haslemere Borders Athletic Club) took the female win in 2:27:06, with Rachel Clay (Petersfield Triathlon Club) second in 2:29:56 and Ruth Purbrook third in 2:33:10. Ruth’s transition skills deserve a special mention – in and out of T1 in 31secs and T2 in 30secs.