wrecsamtri.org.uk

18 months ago I was a fellrunner who was at his happiest on the hills & despite having been a member of Wrecsam Tri for a couple of years I had no interest in triathlon. I was content to run the odd road & cross country race while maintaining Welsh Athletic accreditation, running on the fells for Mercia & hopefully picking up some more North Wales & Wales vests.

As I was approaching 40 however my legs were going from one injury/niggle to another & I was in the frustrating position of being beaten by runners whom I felt I should be beating. This came to a head when I turned my ankle badly as part of the Mercia team that picked up silver at the Brit Relay Fell Champs in 2008. Something had to change. I could swallow my ego & get used to being beaten or I could try something different.

Chirk Triathlon, the first of Wrecsam Tri’s three annual races, kick started what promises to be a bumper year in fast and furious fashion. Sold out in record time, with a record field this was always going to be a day of records but despite pressure from quality athletes like GBR Chris Standidge (Tricentral/Zoot) and Wrecsam tri’s Chirk bridesmaid Andy Campbell the course record held.

Fancying something different I  decided to go to Tromso in Northern Norway in the arctic circle for the Polar Half marathon.
This is a race during the afternoon, but which is in the dark due to the sun not coming up above the horizon for 2 months at this
time of year.
Attached are several pictures of Tromso. Plus one of myself at the start line.
The trip started off during the early hours of Friday 8th January when we drove down to Gatwick airport during the night.
The previous days flights had all been cancelled due to the snow, so we weren't very optimistic that we would even be departing.
Luckily the early morning flight was only a little delayed and we arrived in Oslo where it was about minus 18 degrees.

Julian

Just to let you know the cheque has arrived safely at Aspire – thank you. I will write separately and as you suggest forward updated certificates for you to display in the summer. I make the total raised over the years £80 more than you do, so even better. We have a board in our reception for people and organisations who have raised over £10,000 for Aspire, something you now more than qualify for. When we next update the board I will ensure you appear and we would of course welcome anyone who is able to come down and visit at some stage.

If you would like someone from Aspire to attend one of your events then please just ask. The support shown by Wrecsam Tri over the years is fantastic and it is perhaps long overdue that we came and met you.

Best wishes and thanks again for the most recent cheque.

Andrew Ogierman

Community & Events Fundraiser