We hope that the winter timing of the event, will attract athletes worlwide during the 'normal off-season' to the home of Triathlon and the original location of Ironman Lanzarote, Playa Blanca. I wil be going over to Lanza very soon to check out the final courses and have a look around the area. Eddie has done a fantastic job in a very short period of time to get this awesome event off the ground.
On the Deca front, we just can't seem to have a break-through with the ideal location. We have recce'd coastal roads, country parks including Battersea and King's Park in Bournemouth. We have visited numerous airfields around the country and race circuits.
We have found the perfect location, set in the beautiful surroundings of Sutton Park in Sutton Coldfield. Set within the park, is a 5km tarmac road, that is closed to traffic and has a swimming pool immediately next to it. It is used fo many events includiing the national road relay championships. Endurman have spoke with the park's events management and submitted an application form.
Due to the popularity of the park, our downfall may be the fact that our event lasts 2 weeks or more importantly for the Park... 2 weekends. Also, the USA and UK Olympic teams will be using the park to train in during 2011 so it may be a case of just bad timing. It is absolutley perfect. Let's wait to hear back from the management team.
On Tuesday, I made a trip to the Isle of Dogs to meet up with my old coach Frank Horwill. It was great to see him again after 18 years. He has been diagnosed with a rare type of cancer at 81 years old. He has beat cancer several times now, such is the strength of the man. He has no-nonsense attitude to life and his commitment to athletics has been a motivator for me since my early twenties. Check out this video and you will see what I mean! We love you Frank!