Fintan Kennedy, Chris Bell, Andy Ruddy and, if he can get his hands on a treadmill for the day, Chris Stephens, will each be completing an ironman challenge with a difference on 8 May to raise funds for The Jersey Salvation Army food bank.
Set to start at 8am, they will each begin their own individual ironmans against the clock with a 1,900 metre open-air swim (in separate bays, in strict accordance with local coronavirus guidelines), before transitioning back to their homes. There they will take to a static bike and complete a gruelling, bottom-numbing 90km before taking to the treadmill and completing the challenge with a daunting 21.1km run on a treadmill.
The event is set to take anywhere between four to six hours and as well as their physical endurance, the athletes’ mental endurance will be tested to its limits. Despite being seasoned triathletes who have competed in numerous long-distance races, this is the first time any of them have attempted anything like this, as much of the distance covered will be completed in their own homes having not moved a metre forward.
‘When this virtual event was first mentioned I thought it would be an excellent opportunity to raise some more for those supporting the vulnerable in the community, as well as get some motivation back after Challenge Roth was cancelled this year,’ said Ruddy. ‘I can’t say I’m looking forward to spending 4 to 5 hours in my garage but I am looking forward to reaching the virtual finish line.’
‘The lockdown has affected everyone in so many ways not least endurance athletes who have trained hard for months on end for races being cancelled all over the world,’ added Kennedy. ‘But that disruption pales into insignificance considering the sacrifices and hardships we see all over the world and locally here in Jersey.
‘So if we can do our small bit for a few hours and raise some money to help charities it will be worthwhile.’
The team will be hosting the race on Zoom and would like to welcome everyone to drop in and cheer them on throughout the event. Further details can also be found on their Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/Challenge-Lockdown-103058154728352/ while donations can be made on JustGiving page at:
In the meantime, if anyone can be found who would generously lend a treadmill for the day to help the boys achieve their challenge, please contact Alex Ruddy on 07700 718150 or by email at: alexkirstyruddy@gmail.com
