Mark Bayliss completed the run stage of the Enduroman Arch to Arc triathlon in a time of 26 hours and 20 minutes.
Towards the end of the 87 mile run Mark was suffering from aching quads and pain in his right foot but he was in good spirits when he reached the English coast. Mark will now try to sleep and take on some much needed calories before he starts the Channel swim tomorrow morning (Friday 7th September) at 02:30AM (GMT).
The Enduroman Arch to Arc involves an 87 mile run from London to Dover, a Channel swim from Dover to Calais and a punishing 181 mile bike ride from Calais to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Only 10 athletes have ever completed the Arch to Arc. Mark is aiming to complete the challenge in World Record time, hopefully beating Eddie Ette’s 2001 record of 81 hours and five minutes.
In a world first, Mark will also attempt to become the only athlete to complete the ultra distance triathlon without the use of a wetsuit for the Channel swim. Taking the wetsuit out of the equation, after such a long run, means Mark will face a physiological test none of the previous 10 Arch to Arc competitors have had to endure.
Mark’s Enduroman Arch to Arc attempt is the first event in the inov-8TM Challenge Series, which will see committed athletes take on some of the toughest endurance events in the world.
Mark is hoping to raise as much money as possible for SportsAid and help the next generation of British athletes. SportsAid helps young sportsmen and women to achieve their ambitions by supporting them during the defining early years of their careers - SportsAid athletes won 47 medals at London 2012 Olympics including 20 golds. Go to http://www.justgiving.com/Mark-Bayliss0 to sponsor Mark or text (UK only) CFWC59 to 70070 with the amount you would like to donate.
Pic credit: Enduroman
