World Record attempt is on at the Outlaw
Created On: 28 June 2011
One entrant into the Outlaw Triathlon relay team event will
attempt to break a world record on 24 July. Rik Vercoe, who is
doing the run leg of the relay, will try to break the record
for the fastest marathon ever run dressed as an outlaw (or
cowboy).
As British Ironman record holder, Tom Lowe, attempts to get a
win with the Gi Tri Bridgetown relay team, Rik will be aiming to
break records of his own.
Forty-year-old Vercoe, who comes from Portsmouth, hopes to break
the current marathon world record of four hours for a runner
dressed as an outlaw. The course is officially certified as being
an accurate 26.2miles by UK Athletics, so the record attempt has
been accepted by Guinness as an official attempt.
The attempt ought to be well within Vercoe's grasp, he has
already run several much faster marathon events this year. However,
the Outlaw will be Vercoe's 21st consecutive marathon in
as many weeks. He aims to complete 30 in total to mark the 30th
anniversary of his chosen charity, the Elizabeth Foundation for
Deaf Children.
He said: "I think the fastest cowboy record is within
my reach and who knows perhaps being the fastest outlaw could
become an annual challenge at the Outlaw!"
"I'm doing the relay with close friends, Malik Chibah, who will
do the swim and David Anderson will do the bike leg. I have
supported the Elizabeth Foundation Charity for a number of years
and this September they celebrate their 30th anniversary."
The Outlaw will be Rik's 21st marathon, but he will still aim
for sub a 3:30 finish time. The previous week's effort will have
taken place at the Fairlands Valley Marathon on 17th July.
Tom Lowe is set to tackle the 112mile bike section of
Nottingham's long distance triathlon event. Team mate and former
elite swimmer, Cat Pickthall, will complete the 2.4mile swim, and
professional triathlete, Toby Jameson will do the marathon run.
Although most people do the Outlaw as an individual event, it is
one of the few long distance events that offers participants the
opportunity to complete the 2.4mile swim, 112mile bike ride and
26.2mile run as a relay.
Entries are still available. The event has already attracted
widespread praise following its debut last year. It won 220
Triathlon Magazine's Event of the Year award earlier this year.
To enter the Outlaw visit http://www.onestepbeyond.org.uk.
If you're not up to it this year, come along to take part in the
Speedo Big Swim Nottingham on Saturday 23 July and then get
inspired by watching the Outlaw on Sunday 24 July! It's free to
watch and attend the event expo at Holme Pierrepont National
Watersports Centre in Nottingham.
Tags: news,onestepbeyond
