Biathlon Beats the Bad Weather

July 13, 2012 - PRLog -- Organisers – St.Ives Surf Lifesaving Club - with the help of a team of health and safety officials, changed the traditional route for the popular “Open Race” just an hour before the start time, to ensure that competitor’s safety was paramount.

With the inshore lifeboat team, the Harbour Master and members of the RNLI marshalling the sea section in boats, on stand-up-paddle-boards and on surf lifesaving rescue boards, over 170 people took part.

The junior route remained unchanged with George Hollis, aged 15, winning the Junior Race for the boys and Keia Wardman, aged 12, winning for the girls; the winner of the Open Race for the fifth year running and fastest overall for 2012 with a time of 00:21:15.15 was Neil Eddy for the men with Alice Nicholas leading the women.

All competitors started their run from the harbour slipway, along the coast path to Porthminster beach before entering the sea and swimming back to the starting point.  The Open Race also followed this route, shortened from Carbis Bay – where water conditions were deemed too dangerous - resulting in a 1k run and a 1.7k swim.

However, to ensure a longer swim for the Open, buoys and cans were placed in the centre of the bay, taking the swimmers in a zigzag formation, before the home straight to the harbour, giving spectators an excellent view.

David Bonar, Chairman of St.Ives Surf Lifesaving Club explains:
“It was a great day, enjoyed by competitors and spectators alike. Registration opened at 3pm amid rumours that the event had been cancelled due to the bad weather. In fact the weather was kind to the organisers and the rain stayed away.  It was however the sea state that caused concern and at 6.30pm the decision was taken to cancel the usual biathlon route of a run to Carbis Bay and a swim back on the grounds of Health and Safety.

“The new swim course provided a serious challenge for some of the competitors not used to sea swimming, with huge sets dumping on the shore of Porthminster Beach! I know the thought of "bailing out" had crossed the minds of a number of competitors – so a big well done to all those who completed the swim and especially all first timers who couldn’t have picked a more challenging swim for their first Biathlon!”

As well as notable weather conditions for its 14th year, the crowds of supporters were bigger than ever, with hundreds of spectators turning out to shout encouragement. The route was packed with cheering crowds, especially on the harbour slipway where people started their run and finished their swim.  There was such support that some competitors who had finished swam back out to encourage friends and family members to the finish line.

As well as the cheering crowds, David also thanked the people who made the event possible this year:
"As always massive thanks go to the following people as without them the biathlon cannot take place every year. Steve Bassett, St.Ives Sailing Club, Ricky, Christian, Nick, Robert and all the guys on the Inshore lifeboat as well as  volunteer club members.  All the RNLI lifeguards, especially Phil Drew for his constant monitoring of difficult conditions and for making safe, well considered decisions. Also many thanks to Mike Friday and the local police for their support. We couldn't do it without them all!"

David continued: “We are very grateful for the support that we have received not just from volunteers and the local emergency services for helping to organise the event, but also from local companies who have donated gifts in kind and sponsorship.  These include The Sloop, Eventy – Marketing & PR, Tregenna Castle, Alfrescos; Beach Restaurant; Beachcroft; Café Pasta; Carbis Bay Holidays; Carbis Bay Hotel; Carbon Control; Carn Brea Leisure Centre; Carrick Leisure/Swim School; Cherished Cottages; Coast; Cornish Bakehouse; County Carpets; Fabulous Kids; Harbour Hotel; Mermaid; Ocean Supplies; Porthmeor Café; Porthminster Café; Robie Robes; Sail Lofts; Seaview Café; Sharps Brewery; SNUGG; St Andrews Street Bistro; St Ives Surf School, Watersports Warehouse; Yellow Canary; and Zumba with Kelly Barker.”

Drawing competitors from all over the British Isles – as well as from as overseas, it is an important fundraiser for the club that is enjoyed by St.Ives’ community.

Money raised through corporate support and entry fees will be used by the charity to help pursue a long held dream of building a new club house and community hub on Porthmeor beach.

For more information about St.Ives Surf Lifesaving Club, photos and Biathlon results please visit http://www.stivesslsc.com or visit them on Facebook.


ENDS ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTES:

Contact: Helen Mulhern on 01326 376273 / helen@eventy.co.uk for more info and imagery.

Photos: Please find attached a range of photos – higher res available on request.

FURTHER INFO: St.Ives Surf Life Saving Club (SISLSC) was originally formed in 1958 and as well as competing in National Surf Life Saving Competitions, provided Lifeguard cover on Porthmeor Beach.  The club has evolved over the years and has seen many people come and go but it has never lost its strong links with the local community.

As well as its local roots, the club is a member of larger governing bodies such as Surf Life Saving Cornwall and the Surf Life Saving Association of Great Britain, Britain’s National Governing Body for Beach Lifeguarding and Life Saving Sport.

The club operates as a charitable organisation from a board store on Porthmeor Beach West and is run by a dedicated team of volunteers. They are a friendly club and actively encourage people from all walks of life to “have a go” and get involved - whether you are 7 years old or 70, a warm welcome awaits you.

With grant applications made and Cornwall Council’s Localism team behind the build project for a new club house, the charity is hoping to be a step closer to their dream with funds raised from this event.