A triathlon club based in Caerphilly will be one of the best represented at this year’s Ironman Wales event, despite only forming 18 months ago.
Caerphilly Triers will send 22 of its members to the event in Tenby on Sunday, September 9.
Of those, only three have competed in the event previously, and most have only picked up the sport over the last few years.
Ironman events are lengthened formats of a triathlon. Over the course of a day, participants compete in a 2.4 mile sea swim, a 112 mile cycle across southern Pembrokeshire and a 26.2 mile marathon around Tenby to finish.
All three disciplines must be finished within the race’s 17 hour time limit.
Caerphilly Triers’ chairwoman, Amy Jenner, set up the club at the start of 2017, but admitted she never imagined it would grown as quickly as it has.
Ms Jenner said: “The club started as just five of us at the start, and we never imagined having 96 members on our books 18 months later.
“A lot of triathlon clubs only allow you to join if you can swim a certain distance. We didn’t want this club to put up barriers from the start. When I started out, I could only swim 25 metres.
“To now have 22 entrants in Ironman Wales is amazing, and this year we will be one of the most heavily represented clubs, despite there being far larger clubs in Wales.
“We are the perfect club for beginners, as 60% of people who join have never taken part in a triathlon before.
“Once you take part in a triathlon, it can become pretty addictive because there is just so much variety.
“We have four coaches in the club, beginners classes in both swimming and cycling, and training can be adapted to individuals.”
With so many members taking part this year, aided by the fine weather over the summer, Caerphilly Triers have been able to take part in regular team training exercises, including rides across South Wales and sea swims on the Vale of Glamorgan coast.
As well as so many newcomers, the club also has several members returning to the event this year.
Matthew Hutcherson, took part in the event for the first time in 2016, and ahead of returning to Tenby for the second time, he says Ironman is one of the toughest single-day endurance events on Earth.
Mr Hutcherson, from Bedwas, has been juggling his training with fundraising for Velindre Cancer Centre and a full-time job, and told Caerphilly Observer: “Ironman is an experience and challenge like no other.
“It tests you to the full, both physically and mentally. It demands your full attention and respect. It’s certainly an experience that you will truly never forget.
“Triathlon can become an isolating sport as you compete as an individual, so being part of a local triathlon can club help create a team dynamic.
“Caerphilly Triers are run by a fantastic group of people who cater for athletes of all levels. Its fantastic to be part of such a thriving club.”
Mr Hutcherson’s training this year has included regular 6am swimming sessions in the River Taff, as well as taking part in Velothon Wales.
When asked what those around him think of his brutal training regime, he said: “I definitely get some funny looks in the office in the morning when I tell people what I have been up to.”
The 27-year-old is using the event to raise money for Velindre after his grandmother received treatment at the centre to twice overcome the disease and recently celebrate her 80th birthday.
Ironman Wales is held in Tenby every year, and has gained a reputation as one of the most respected events on the Ironman calendar.
Caerphilly Triers offer annual membership for £24. To register, visit www.caerphillytriers.co.uk.