Competitors turning up for the first Mud & Mayhem event of 2013 were in for a treat. Course conditions were testament to the recent weather conditions with mud throughout, while rain on the day held off until all but the very last had finished racing. Kind weather coupled with great courses ensured a record field had a great day out in Thetford Forest.
The opening run set off along the northern bank of the little Ouse river before heading over the river and onto the forest trails on the other side. After just 18 minutes the leading four of Ryan Ostler, Peter Murphy, Mark Goodman & Iain Robertson finished the initial 5K run with a healthy lead over the pursuing pack.
Mark Goodman passed over to Dean Pointer as one of the relay teams in attendance and Dean continued to keep pace with the leaders. Iain Robertson posted the fastest bike leg of 40:42 to move into first place leading the field into transition for the second time. He was closely followed by Dean Pointer and Ryan Ostler before a 2 minute gap back to Toby Morrell who had moved up from 6th after the run. John McAndrew had also moved into contention for a podium place after a strong bike leg.
Iain Robertson continued to push on the second run, posting the fastest solo run of the day off the bike to improve upon his second place from the previous year. Winning the race in 1:20:39
He was the only Duathlete who managed to stay ahead of the Goodman / Pointer relay team, with Mark’s fresh legs posting the fastest second run split.
Second place went to Ryan Ostler in 1:22:01 with Toby Morrell holding on to the final podium place in 1:25:27.
After a strong bike leg john McAndrew held on to finish first veteran in 1:32:07 closely followed by Dan Foster and Justin Burrell all three finishing in the top 10. V50 winner was Andrew Houghton with Rob Cowling finishing as top in the V60 category.
The first lady after the opening run was Kate Scotter with Kate Sealy positioned just 12 seconds back and Paula Darlinson another 45 seconds behind in third.
Scotter showed her skill on the bike leg to lead by over 3 minutes heading back into transition. With Claire Hotchkiss moving through into second place, within striking distance of kate Sealy.
The final run leg belonged to Kate Sealy posting the fastest second run split to close the gap to our leader. Scotter held on to win in 1:42:50 with kate Sealy repeating her second place from 2012 and Claire Hotchkiss completing the podium.
Behind the leaders everyone enjoyed their day out in Thetford Forest with many racers commenting on the great venue, excellent organisation, enthusiastic marshals & all round good value. As always there were plenty of smiling faces in the finish area where competitors were greeted with a very welcome hot drink, Go Beyond fruit cake, jelly babies and their commemorative tops.
Finally a big thank you to Streetlife Cycles and BHIP?UK (heartratemonitor.co.uk) our event sponsors.?Extreme Sports Therapy who were on hand to treat tired and weary limbs after the event, and to all the enthusiastic marshals who give up their weekends so that Go Beyond can put on great races.
Feedback on the event was very positive and many racers are already booking their places at the next Mud & Mayhem Duathlon in Delapre Park, Northampton on 10th November.
More at: http://gobeyondultra.co.uk/events/mud_and_mayhem_autumn
