Race report: Mud & Mayhem Duathlon - St Helens, Thetford Forest, March 18, 2012

Competitors turning up for the first Mud & Mayhem event of 2012 were in for a treat.

The persistent drizzle over the preceding 24 hours provided enough mud to make things interesting whilst rain on the day held off until all but the very last had finished racing. Kind weather coupled with great courses ensured a record field had a great day out in Thetford Forest.

The opening run set off along the northern bank of the little Ouse river before heading over the river and onto the forest trails on the other side. After just 18 minutes the leading four of Iain Robertson, Jez Cox, Graham Rush and peter Murphy completed the initial 5K run with a healthy lead over the pursueing pack.

Jez used the bike course to pull away for the second year running posting the second fastest bike split to open a 40 second gap to Iain Robertson in 2nd place. The fastest bike leg on the day belonged to John McAndrew. His superb 42:10 split moving him from outside the top 15 into a strong 4th place and challenging for the podium as the race headed back into transition.

Iain Robertson continued to push on the second run closing the gap to Jez Cox and posting the fastest run of the day off the bike. Ultimately the lead proved too large as he finished the day in second place, just 11 seconds behind. Jez Cox successfully defending his 2011 title in 1:21:41 with Graham Rush repeating his 3rd place
finish from a year ago.

In the ladies race Fay Cripps led the race from start to finish. Only 4 men were faster on the bike leg as Fay posted 3 solid splits to finish 6th overall in a new ladies course record of 1:29:53. Behind her Kate Sealy finished 2nd lady frustratingly finishing in sight of her husband having chased him down over the entire 2nd run, and Melanie Paddington was 3rd.

The first relay team were Jimmy Hupton & James Winter-Whittaker in 1:34:21 setting a course record in this addition to the race format.

Behind the leaders everyone enjoyed their day out in Thetford Forest with many racers commenting on the great venue, excellent organisation, enthusiastic marshals & all round good value. As always there were plenty of smiling faces in the finish area where competitors were greeted with a very welcome hot drink, Go Beyond fruit cake, jelly babies and their commemorative tops.

Finally a big thank you to BHIP UK (heartratemonitor.co.uk) our event sponsors. Extreme Sports Therapy who were on hand to treat tired and weary limbs after the event, Race photographers Corby Photography and to all the enthusiastic marshals who give up their weekends so that Go Beyond can put on great races.

Feedback on the event was very positive and many racers are already booking their places at the next Mud & Mayhem Duathlon in Delapre Park, Northampton on 14th October.

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Photos: Iain Robertson, Jez Cox and Graham Rush pleased with strong performances. Ladies winners Kate Sealy, Fay Cripps and Melanie Paddington.

Men's results

Women's results

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