Ironman Wales, Boasting a two-loop 2.4 mile (3.8 km) swim course that starts at the famous North Beach in the seaside town of Tenby was the start of this feat of fitness, endurance, pacing, nutrition and hydration. Using only their bodies to power swimming, cycling and running over 140.6 miles (226km).

Such a huge event even boasts a 1km run from swim exit to transition before heading out on a challenging, hilly bike ride over 112 miles (180km) The two-loop course took our duo through the scenic countryside of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, boasting numerous castles and iconic landmarks with a thigh water elevation of 8870ft (2703metres).

With both triathletes now 10+ hours in, and after a particularly brutal swim, with rough conditions and high waves. This wasn't a good start for anyone involved. With just the run to go (a full marathon)  the Ironman events have strict cut-off times, where competitors have to reach certain points at certain times or their journey ends.

Unfortunately, Cooper fell just short of the time allowed on the bike as his journey ended after an impressive 10:41:58. He described the weather as biblical “ rain like Noah was coming “ as  Gotts set out on her run. A four-loop 26.2 mile (42.2 km) run course around Tenby’s mediaeval town walls and picturesque beachfront, Gotts now battling extreme weather, physical and mental fatigue, with cut-off times closing in, ended her journey in the final stages of the run after 15:48:40. Both triathletes have learnt a lot and will return to face the dragon.

We all learn a lesson from each event we compete in. Attempting this mammoth event in such conditions can never be classed as a failure. Before the main event, many months of training took place. We cannot choose the weather on race day, nor can we predict that we wouldn't quite achieve what we turned up to do. Take the good days, and the bad days, training and competing and use them to your advantage. 

Gotts gives us a little insight into her achievement,

''While it was disappointing not to have finished after coming so close, there were so many positives to take away. The sea conditions for the swim were so unbelievably rough and bonkers. Just for me to make it through in the time I wanted was epic, even if it did feel like I was swimming through a washing machine!''

''The bike course is truly a great course, and for those from flatter parts of the country... a bit of a beast. The first 2 loops went well and to plan. The 3rd loop, however, turned into a deluge. Not being able to carry the speed downhill and having to brake constantly due to the water on the road was a pain. Let's just say I’m going to need new brake pads before I go out on my bike again!''

''I made it back to T2 and was off on the run. It was 4 laps around Tenby, up and down hills and by the 3rd lap I wasn’t able to hold the speed to complete the course in time and was pulled from the course at the 20-mile point''.

''So, yes, I’m disappointed but IM Wales is a truly awesome race and Tenby embraces you like no other place I know. Will I be back….? Definitely, I still have unfinished business and a Welsh Dragon to slay!''

''I want to give a massive thank you to everyone who has supported me over the last couple of years, KLTC is a club like no other and without everyone’s help I think it would have been an even harder day''

Thank you.

Cooper explains his journey,

''Well what do I say!, I got slayed by the Dragon yesterday. Tenby was amazing, the swim was absolutely brutal. Many people didn’t make it and needed a safety boat. Very rough and I swallowed way too much seawater. The run to transition was epic. The bike started great but struggled with nutrition due to being sick from drinking so much seawater. The 2nd lap was brutal, with awful weather wet and windy. I made it through the full 112miles but missed the cut-off by 10mins''

''Thanks to the supporters who were cheering the last of us cyclists in awful weather''

'I will be back and the Dragon will be slayed!''

Geraldine ‘G unit’ Jordan finished her triathlon season with a sprint distance triathlon over in St Neots. ATW St Neots Triathlon Series – Race 3 saw Jordan start with the 750m  open water downstream swim in the Great River Ouse running through the centre of the town. Rolling through the Cambridgeshire countryside she followed country lanes in an anti-clockwise route through local villages over 24km bike, dismounting the bike a 5km run around riverside park, choosing either a path or grass was the final leg to the awaiting finish line. Jordan achieved first place in her age group with a time of 01:30:17.