Mick Dicker from Raw Energy Pursuits reports on the inaugural Ironman distance swim in the second fastest flowing river in the UK.

A race has got to be special when virtually the entire field post PB's! This was case at Littlehampton in West Sussex when many of the growing number of the UK's Ironmen and women put their pre season training to the test prior to their forthcoming races in Europe. The event sold out within two weeks earlier in the year.

Athletes were taken by double decker bus to the start at the remote Ford Marina on the banks of the Arun - just under 4km from the finish. Athletes waited nervously for the start of the 30 minute period of slack tide and then made their way downstream towards to the RNLI Station in Littlehampton. After swimming close to the river bank for the first 1500m the current started to change in the athletes favour as they approached Littlehampton Marina.

Early leader Andrew Allum from High Wycombe was overtaken by A2 Tri Clubs Nick Finch as he prepares for Roth. Dodging the Dragon Boat racing in the Marina, Finch extended his lead to exit in 46.35, two minutes ahead of Allum. Teresa Dray from Esporta Brighton was out the water in third (48.50) but was pipped to the finish ramp by Wight Tri's Gary Kurth. Crowds gathered on the quay to watch the remaining swimmers come ashore as The Harbour Master and Pilot Boat stopped the later swimmers being dragged out to sea!

During the presentation a donation was made to RNLI and two signed framed photos by Ironman Champion Chrissie Wellington were presented to Gina Quest and Julie Gallagher.

Full results HERE.

Race Start Video