Sharples Team Tri Harder

A chance conversation last October was the trigger that led to eight members of the Sharples Group family competing in the Horwich Triathlon around the hills of Rivington & Belmont near Bolton. The course is legendary on the North West circuit because it has a tricky undulating bike course and then sees competitors running all the way up and back to Rivington Pike the highest point around for miles.

All but one of the intrepid athletes had never attempted a triathlon before and most hadn’t done any running or been on a bike since they left school so when they all agreed to sign up the pressure was on.

Training started in earnest with bike rides, trail runs and swimming organised at lunchtime and evening sessions and after a few months a fitter, faster and leaner staff were prepared for the challenge ahead. Unfortunately two had to drop out at the last minute but the Sharples Group was well represented and the eight that entered posted some great times.

Decked out in their eye catching magenta tri suits the team lined up for the 7am swim start wondering how they had ever been talked into doing such a crazy stunt, amazingly and less than three hours later all the team made it back over the finish line and the main topic of conversation was how they will shave time off their next event.

Karen Horan, Service Admin Manager, commented “Today I achieved my goal with the help of an amazing team. I completed the Horwich triathlon! Who would have thought it? How do I sign up for the Iron Man?”

Managing Director, Mark Brocklehurst said “What an amazing day. We had the most people from one company represented and everyone knew who we were from our striking magenta kits. I know how much hard work has gone into the preparation for the event and everyone has stuck at it overcoming illness and numerous obstacles but that we all got round in one piece is fantastic!”

Keep an eye out for the team on a bike near you; they are hungry for more…..