Testway’s Ironman Challenge makes the front page

Ironman-athon 2008 John Goulding & Christian McGregor

Inspirational John Goulding & Year 11 student Christian McGregor take on the challenge

Testway’s joint health initiative with local schools is about to spark more interest around Hampshire. The successful project was featured on the front page of a newsletter given out to every school in Hampshire.

The project was developed by Testway’s Paula Deverill, our charity coordinator, with the aim to get students to take control of their fitness, health and wellbeing.

There are 43 students, of all ages, from Harrow Way Community School taking part this year in the Ironman Challenge. They get up early twice a week to train before school for the Ironman-athon in June. And they keep at it through the school holidays.

Since joining Testway, Paula has lost three stone by eating healthily and by getting fit. She trains with the students every week and also with Andover’s Portway Plodders.

The students sometimes meet during lunchtime to talk about healthy eating, drinking, and ways to avoid smoking and taking drugs. This helps give them the motivation and positive attitude to keep with the project and not drop out.

Christian McGregor, a year 11 student said: "The best bit is being able to do stuff I couldn't do before. I feel a lot better about myself and I know I can do it!"

Each student’s goal is to be part of a team who complete the full Ironman distance triathlon race between them. This means they must be fit enough to:

Swim 220 metres
Cycle for seven miles on an exercise bike
Run 2700 metres (1.7 miles)

This would be impossible for most before the training.

While they’re training for the big day, they hit highs and lows. But there’s always someone about to encourage them to keep it up and stay motivated. This year the Ironman-athon is taking place on 2 July.

Paula said: "I'm very proud of the team - they've all worked together and the team spirit is very high. Getting out of bed on cold wet windy mornings is no joke, but this doesn't put them off. We're now looking forward to this year's challenge!"

The teams compete against each other with staff from Testway making up numbers for any last minute casualties. They also act as cheerleaders and motivators to keep the students going when the going gets tough.

Last year, John Goulding, a 72-year old runner from Andover Road Runners came along and took part as the last leg in the 2,700 metre run. John was an inspiration to the students, showing that you can be fit at any age – all you need is the commitment to yourself.

The students get sponsored for taking part and any money they raise is split between the school to buy new sports equipment, and Testway Transform, a fund that helps community groups help the community. Since it started in November 2007, it has given £56,000 to help 53 groups.

If you’d like to know more about the Ironman-athon, give Paula a ring on 01264 405552 or email her on paula.deverill@testway.co.uk

Ironman-athon 2008's vital volunteers who make the day possible