FROME triathlete, Roland Kelly, is undertaking the challenge of completing four of the toughest triathlons in four months to raise money for Frome-based charity Positive Action on Cancer.
After completing the Celtman Extreme Scottish triathlon on the 23rd June, Roland found himself on 13th July back on a start line of another extreme triathlon, the inaugural XTRI24, in which he came 10th.
Along with 99 other triathletes Roland’s race started just after 7.00pm on the Friday evening with a 2.5 mile swim off Eastbourne beach, which was shortened slightly, due to high winds and choppy waters. The next leg of the triathlon was a 100-mile off-road cycle along the entire length of the South Downs Way, overnight. Normally a beautiful national park to ride through, but on that night the British summer did its worse to dampen the spirits, as torrential rain hampered the middle section of the race.
In spite of the elements Roland arrived outside Winchester Cathedral the following morning just before 8.30am in 10th place, but carrying an injury. After a quick change of clothing he started the 27-mile cross country run along the Clarendon Way to Old Sarum in Salisbury. The route took runners through some lovely countryside and villages, but it took Roland over six hours as he battled against a strained muscle and more torrential rain, which turned footpaths into rivers. At about 3.30pm and over 20 hours after the start of the race back in Eastbourne, Roland crossed the finish line at Old Sarum, still in 10th place.
Roland’s next challenge in aid of Positive Action on Cancer is the Norseman Extreme Triathlon in Norway on 5th August. To sponsor Roland and support PAC visit www.justgiving.com/4xtri
