22 Aug Mark’s Ironman Triathlon Charity Fundraising Success
Committed charity fundraiser Mark Brocklehurst completed the gruelling Ironman Triathlon course in an incredible 14 hours and 13 minutes despite an 11th hour crisis which threatened to leave him out of the running completely.
The 50 years old Managing Director of Warrington-based documents management experts Sharples Group, who crossed the finishing line in 49th place in his age group, had only 24 hours earlier faced disaster when the frame of his racing bike literally fell apart.
The ultra-lightweight bike was crucial if he was to complete a challenging 112 mile cycle ride, a 2.4 miles swim and ending the event with a challenging 26.2 miles marathon run.
After a pre-race check-up my engineer, from Rivington Cycles of Chorley, informed me that the carbon fibre frame of my bike was disintegrating before his very eyes, explained Mark, who lives with his wife and son in Chorley.
After declaring the bike a total write-off, he immediately closed his shop, drove down to the cycle factory in Derby and collected a replacement. That meant I could fulfil my promise to enter the race to raise badly needed funds for the Bolton Lads & Girls Club.
This was my first IronMan triathlon and I have to admit that it was one of the most challenging events I have ever faced,
added Mark
The run was very difficult and very hot and we experienced some windy conditions during the bike ride. Thankfully I very quickly got used to my new bike and achieved my aim.
When Mark arrived home to his wife Tracy and eight year old son Tom, the family celebrated two achievements – Mark’s IronMan Triathlon success and Tom’s successful completion of the IronKid’s race, which was held the same weekend.
