The highly successful Triathlonguard Long Course Weekend 2016 crowned its first international winners.
In its six-year history, the ultimate endurance challenge, racing three events in as many days, has grown in popularity and has now become a firm favourite in the sporting calendars of athletes and spectators not just from Wales, but worldwide, with over half of the athletes coming from outside the principality.
This year saw nearly 7,500 athletes entered for The Wales Swim, The Wales Sportive, The Wales Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and new this year the 5K.
Such is the popularity of this ultimate endurance challenge, where participants have an opportunity to compete in three events in as many days, the economic impact to the local economy is now over £9 million.
This year, The King of Long Course - local athlete Olly Simon - who has won four Long Course Weekends, had to relinquish his crown to international athlete Marcus Hultgren from Sweden.
Marcus was competing in his first Long Course and was out to win!
Speaking to the event’s team after the weekend, Marcus spoke about the swim: “I had predicted from earlier races that I would be about five-six minutes slower than Olly, so that was correct, but I thought more like 50 vs 55 minutes. It ended up around 60 minutes. Tough swim! Loved the start and the atmosphere though!”
Marcus was dressed for success on day two and wasn’t taking any chances: “I knew I had to focus mentally and I dressed for that.”
The weather was typically Welsh, but the fired-up Swede wasn’t dampened by the drizzle.
“All my friends know I’m a sunshine cyclist, but event day is event day!” he said.
Marcus was determined and focused even when the heavens opened.
“The course was a killer, pushed all I got! Just went solo head down! All I had to go on was Olly’s 5.20 hour average from the two last races. I knew if I could do that in those conditions I was in the game!”
Going into the final day -marathon day - Marcus knew the title was his to lose.
“I felt strong before the start, but knew that just a cramp could get me to lose! I just stayed on Olly’s back for as long as I could and he really tried to leave me! It almost killed me! But he just got 1.50 hours for the half marathon so by then I knew I had it!”
The ladies’ Long Course crown was won by another international - Tracy Markham from South Africa. Tracy’s face crossing the finishing line is one of the lasting memories people will have from this year’s Long Course.
Speaking after the event, Tracy was still on a high.
“Taking part in the LCW was an incredible experience and I loved every moment. The course was tough, but the beautiful scenery and wonderful support made it seem a bit easier. It is also one of the most well organised events that I have ever been at, which made it an absolute pleasure to participate in. I have been looking forward to the event all year and had set my hopes on achieving a good position, but winning was something I only really let myself dream about. Taking the win in the end has been incredible, I actually don’t think it has even sunk in yet!”
Both winning athletes were overcome when it came to the medal presentation which is in itself an amazing event to witness.
Marcus added: “The medal ceremony was by far my best moment in my athletic career!” and Tracy commented: “The red carpet award ceremony for all the LCW athletes is a special touch that adds a real buzz to the event.”
Next year looks sets to be even bigger and better, but will the two overseas athletes be back to defend their titles?
Tracy answered conclusively: “I will definitely be back next year and would recommend the event to anyone that swims, bikes, runs or does triathlon.” Marcus was more measured in his response, answering: “I can’t promise anything, but I would love to do the race one more time as the defending champ.”
Tenby’s four times winner Olly Simon, who finished second, told the Observer: “I had a rollercoaster weekend of highs and lows. The swim was amazing, perfect conditions, huge crowds with the Taff Kids on as well as the main swim. I got tactics wrong on the bike, which cost me defending my title, and the weather didn’t dampen spirits, with everyone getting stuck in to the Pembrokeshire hills and making the most out of the day. The Sunday is always the best day for me as the atmosphere is at its best, so many races and spectators all out at the same time and everyone buzzing coming down the red carpet into Tudor Square to a carnival atmosphere. I pushed myself to the limit for second place overall and felt like a celebrity all weekend. Only Tenby can put a race on like this. It’s unique and I am blessed to be a local triathlete.”
Race director Matthew Evans is as ever hugely appreciative of his family, his team of staff, the community and the countless volunteers who give their time to make this weekend such a success.
“Long Course Weekend has come a long way since 2010, where 35 athletes lined up on the start line and 17 were awarded the coveted 4th medal. This year, 750 athletes competed for the fourth medal, with 7,500 athletes from 42 countries travelling to Pembrokeshire.
“This magic is down to a mix of local support, our volunteers, our team, our athletes and the very nature of Pembrokeshire’s unique landscape. It all comes together as a very special product.”
He is also quick to note that Long Course isn’t just about the professionals; it is an event where ordinary people who love to run, bike or swim can compete in a big scale event.
“Long Course is special in that it witnesses athletes from three-years-old in Taff Kids to a 78-year-old Long Course competitor. With events from 5K through to the full LCW, it allows everyone and anyone to experience that LCW red carpet moment, something that is now becoming notorious throughout the world as one of the best finish lines out there.”
Two appreciative Long Course participants, Mark Whittakker and Jill Cliff, summed up the weekend: “We would like to say a massive thanks to everyone involved in organising and supporting the Long Course Weekend. The marshals were brilliant, especially on the bike course out in the rain all day. The atmosphere of the event is something special, and the podium ceremony was unlike anything we have experienced before. I can’t think of a better way to recognise everyone’s achievement!
“We love the way Tenby embraces the Long Course Weekend and makes us athletes feel so welcome. Needless to say we will be coming back!”
Make sure you come back, too, to support or participate - it doesn’t matter which, just get involved and help ‘inspire the nation.’
Early bird entries are now open for 2017.
A full list of results is available at the following link: http://lcwwales.com/results/
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