The annual Standard Bank Ironman 70.3 South Africa takes place in East London this weekend, with a number of Grahamstown athletes taking part.
The annual Standard Bank Ironman 70.3 South Africa takes place in East London this weekend, with a number of Grahamstown athletes taking part.
This triathlon – also known as half-Ironman – is made up of a 1.9km sea swim, 90km bicycle ride and a 21km run.
The inaugural Ironman 70.3 South Africa in 2008 had a starting field of 745 athletes. This event will see 3000 individual athletes set to line up on Orient Beach on Sunday.
Terri-Lynn Penney is the only Grahamstown athlete to have completed the previous eight events in East London. A member of Amathole triathlon, Penney was the second female overall at the Border Triathlon championships in November last year, as preparation for Sunday’s race.
She has been included in the Amathole team to take part in the South African Triathlon Championships, also in East London, on 20 March. An ankle injury in December hampered Penney’s training but she says she has fully recovered for Sunday. Penney plans to swim and cycle hard and complete the run comfortably.
Also battling a foot injury is Megan Hobson, who is going for her seventh half-Ironman in East London. “I will swim and bike as hard as I can and then enjoy a nice 21km walk,” said Hobson.
Catherine Deiner will be taking part in her second half Ironman, after completing her first last year. “I’ve done it once so I should be able to do it again but we’ll have to see what the day brings,” said Deiner, adding that she is looking forward to the race. “It’s always a nice feeling when you’re pushing your fitness level and the vibe is awesome.”
Competing in her first half Ironman on Sunday is Carey Pohl, better known for her horse riding skills. Pohl has been among the elite group of South African riders who have competed in three World Cup Qualifiers.
Pohl took part in her first triathlon in November last year, with another two Sprint events in December. “The distances involved in the 70.3 are a big unknown for me,” said Pohl adding that she is “used to piloting horses around show jumping courses, so this is definitely going to be a whole new experience”.
Fellow Grahamstonian, Grant Wolff said he is prepared for a long day as his training has been “nowhere near what I was hoping for”. Wolff is also an experienced triathlete, having completed five half Ironman events and four full Ironman races, so muscle memory is on his side.
Jayne Burden, however, is an ironman novice having never taken part before. While nervous for race day, Burden says, “My training has been an incredible journey. I’ve really enjoyed every moment I’ve been out on the road and in the pool.”
She says that whatever the outcome from Sunday’s race, this is only the start of her Ironman/tri journey.
The Standard Bank Ironman 70.3 South Africa starts from Orient Beach. Athletes will begin their day with a 1.9 km ocean swim. It’s then on to the 90km cycle ride along the N2 between East London and King William’s Town.
Road closures will allow the athletes to navigate the undulating course safely. The final leg is a 21km run which consists of two-loops with spectacular ocean views. Finishers will be greeted in style with African dancers, music and spectators.
Grahamstown athletes taking part:
Grant Wolff (50 to 55 age category)
Megan Hobson (40 to 44)
Catherine Deiner (25 to 29)
Carey Pohl (35 to 39)
Jayne Burden (25 to 29)
Terri-Lynn Penney (35 to 39)
