In March, sixteen members of HMS Edinburgh Ships Company started a ‘Triple Ironman’ challenge in order to raise money for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.
The challenge was organised by Leading Physical Training Instructor Leon Taylor which saw three five man teams taking part in each of the three disciplines, with the three teams combined swimming a total distance of 21.6miles, cycling 1,008 miles and running 157.2 miles over three days, whilst the ship transited from Portsmouth to Edinburgh.
The teams started off by completing the swim at HMS TEMERAIRE at 0645 from here two of the five man teams made their way to Edinburgh on roads whilst a team on the ship completed the challenge using the exercise bike and treadmill on board HMS Edinburgh.
PO Darbz Allen and ET (WE) Farnsy Farnsworth started of strong until they arrived at the bottom of Portsdown Hill but after lots of encouragement from PO Darbz Allen they made it to the top and continued on their way. The first stop was at 104 REME Army Barracks in Northampton where the road team got some well deserved rest.
The team had another early start at 0600 the next day making their way to RMR Tyne along some of the longest A roads and steepest hills in the UK which meant ET (WE) Mitch Mitchell didn’t even bother to select any other gear than the slowest gear.
The last leg was from RMR Tyne to HMS Caledonia taking in some great views along the route and some great photo opportunities as they crossed the border. The team only had one puncture during the transit and ET (ME) Larry Lamb decided to get very close to the tarmac on one of the busiest roads in England!
All of the times were recorded with the overall winners of the event going to the ships team, who found it particularly challenging with the added pressure of watch keeping.
It was a great event and the teams are looking forward to entering a triathlon event in May prior to the ship deploying. Leading Physical Training Instructor Leon Taylor would like to thank all of the personnel who allowed the teams to use their accommodation overnight to earn some well deserved rest.
The following members of the ships company also took part in the event:
CDR P Russell
LT CDR Sam Truelove
LT Andy Mahoney
ET (WE) Chris Phelan
ET (WE) Shaggy Shaughnessy
POET (ME) Darbz Allen
POET (ME) Pete Hardy
ET (ME) Sam Reffold
ET (ME) Soapy Watson
ET (ME) Larry Lamb
ET (WE) Farnsy Farnsworth
ET (WE) Craney Crane
ET (WE) Mitch Mitchell
ET (WE) Shiner Wright
ET (WE) Powderpuff Powderly
