CURRENT NEWS

Merrell IceMan Off-Road Duathlon and Trail Run
Saturday 21st November - Frimley, Surrey

The Merrell Off-Road Series kicked off in style with the first event of the series attracting a record number of athletes keen to test themselves over the challenging run and duathlon courses.

The Merrell IceMan is the first in a series of four events organised by Human Race, taking place all over the South East in a variety of locations. Designed to be tough, muddy and fun they are aimed at runners and duathletes of all abilities looking for a fantastic challenge.

Merrell IceMan Run
The IceMan trail run was first on the agenda with a tough, hilly 12km course to challenge even the fittest runner. And it wasn’t only runners that were up for the challenge; a team of Canicross Trail Runners and their dogs were also taking part for the first time.

First over the line was Lee Kemp (Waverley Harriers) in a superb 44:02 followed by last years MudMan winner, Dave Chapman in 47:44. In third was Gary Blesson with a great performance in 48:01.  ‘That was so tough but great fun’ commented Kemp ‘it’s a tough course and pretty technical and your legs get a real hammering from going up hills and then straight back down again. Pleased with the win today, thanks!’

Mark Dunbar (Liss Runners) along with ‘Norman’ the springer spaniel was fourth in 51:02, despite setting off three minutes after the main runners, and was delighted with their performance. ‘Norman had a great run today’ he said ‘he just loves it and races like this are perfect for running with dogs. Running with Norman probably gives me about one minute advantage over a 10km course, so we’re really pleased with that run today, he did well!’ Norman was subsequently treated to a blueberry muffin after the race for his great performance.

First lady was Collette O’Neill (www.tri247.com ) in a superb 57:28 who also won the V40 prize.  Annabel Hagan was second only a few seconds back in 57:41 with Christina Jenkins in 58:36.

Toni Bennett from London, who was taking part with her friends, commented ‘it’s the first time I’ve done anything like this and it’s just fantastic to get out of the City at the weekend and run on trails rather than concrete. We were terrified when we arrived though, but quickly realised people of all abilities were taking part and it was brilliant fun!’

Merrell IceMan Duathlon
The IceMan Duathlon was next up and comprised a 10km run, 18km mountain bike section and final 5km run. A new relay team option had been introduced for the series opening up the event to single sport athletes, teams, work colleagues and friends looking for a bit of fun on a Saturday morning. The serious racing was on at the front of the field with former winners, both Colin Dixon and Jim McConnel on the start list.

Dixon took the win in 1:42.34, despite a tumble and a dropped chain, but only just beating McConnel who had led for the whole race and finished in 1:43.15.  Third was Lee Bartholomew in 1:47.40.

Tamsin Lewis (Team Dillon) took the win for the ladies in a convincing style crossing the line in 2:05.21.  ‘This is the first time I’ve done an off-road duathlon’ she said ‘I’ve been working hard on my running and have only just started doing mountain biking. Specialised loaned me a fantastic bike to race on today and I really enjoyed it, it was great fun.’  Fiona Bosher was second lady in 2:14.49 with Sue Pennington in third in 2:19.49.

The winning relay team was Farnham Tri Club in 2:04.28 with Valkyrie Vectors second in 2:13.14 and Grimsdale Mullet in 2:14.30. Sponsor team Merrell Classics finished fourth in an impressive 2:14.43.

Jude Ekins had made 600 mile round trip from Cornwall to take part. ‘There’s nothing like this anywhere near me’ he said ‘and I love these races. They are so well organised by Human Race and I don’t mind traveling, in fact I’m hoping to do the whole series’.

If you missed out on the fun this time, then don’t worry.. there are three more in the Merrell Series to come.  And you don’t have to wait too long either…

MudMan is next on Saturday 5th December with a super-tough hilly course. Camberley, Nr Guildford, Surrey. WildMan follows on Saturday 23rd January in Hankley Common, Guildford.

The series concludes with a brand new venue in East Sussex. The TuffMan is on 6th February in Pippingford Park, Nr Gatwick.

Enter now for either the trail run, duathlon or relay duathlon at any of the venues at www.humanrace.co.uk