Search
shop

Outlaw Triathlon – who are (still) the last men standing?

One down, but six remain - how did the 2018 Outlaw Triathlon go for the 'last men standing', the athletes that have now completed all nine of the long distance events in Nottingham?
Chief Correspondent
Last updated -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

And then there were six. The last Outlaws standing!

Before the start of this year’s Outlaw Triathlon, there were seven men who had completed all eight editions of the long-distance race since it launched in 2010.

In wind and rain, they lined up hoping to complete the Nottingham race for the ninth time in a row – quite a feat of endurance when you think about needing to be fit year after year to complete a 2.4mile swim, 112mile bike ride and 26.2mile run. As race finishers started to come in, each of the ultra-Outlaws were ticked off as having completed, but one had decided not to start.

The six that started made it, and all seemed to like the wind enforced three-lap swim (the top end of the lake was too choppy). They all agreed that the crosswinds on the bike were testing, but one of them was actually thankful for the cold and wet run.

Here’s what they had to say about the toughest Outlaw to date:

Eugene Grant – 9:35:40 (2nd M45-49)

I loved the swim route, particularly being able to dive off the pontoon, the spectators seemed to enjoy the show! The weather conditions made the bike course a test of nerve and handling skills, it really kept you in the moment!

Gary Goacher – 11:04:57 (1st M55-59)

I much preferred the three lap swim. The bike was treacherous with some crosswind gusts, but nothing anyone can do about that. I hurt on the run and probably had a face like thunder but the people at the feed stations were so enthusiastic and helped immensely. All I heard on Sunday was praise for the whole organisation of the event.

Gary Goacher - Outlaw Triathlon 2018

Chris Dunn – 12:12:33

The bike took a lot out of my legs, so there wasn’t much left for the run. It was great chatting to David round the lake comparing previous years. Overall another fantastic event, see you all next year.

Nigel Swepson – 12:40:02

I thought I would dislike the three lap swim as I have always enjoyed the simplicity of one lap. I was wrong, the laps did make it more enjoyable.

I loved the run. I had stocked up on factor 50 sun cream and salt tablets and was ready for the blistering heat. I was so pleased I didn’t need them. I am so much better in cooler conditions and ran the last six miles chatting to another Nigel who had nothing but praise for the event.

David Manning-Ohren – 12:46:34

I loved the three-lap swim, especially the dive on the last lap. The bike was probably mentally draining more than anything looking out for crosswinds, if you weren’t aero then you lost loads of speed into the wind, this potentially brought on GI and back issues on the run for me. Puddles on the road were full of warm water – surreal.

My mental cord snapped around 15 miles into the run, when I couldn’t push my stomach to run any more. I had some crisps and coke and half an hour later it came back. Stuttered the last two laps round the lake, but had a good with a chat with Chris comparing war stories!

Graham Yare – 13:38:04

I was really pleased with my race. I hadn’t done the training this year (because he broke his leg in February!) and was hoping for 13:45, which I beat by 5 minutes. As always, the race was superb, especially given the weather. The fact that we kept the distance is amazing.

Steve Braund decided not to start. Having already completed the race eight years in a row, he decided against trying to overcome the elements with a long drive to France ahead of him the following morning. He leaves his mark on the race with incredible course records of 11:06:01 in the 60-64 (2014) age group and 12:13:31 in the 65-69 (2017) category. It’s likely those records will be around for many years to come.

So, it’s on to 2019 and Outlaw X – the tenth Outlaw, which promises to be a really special occasion. If you want to be part of it too, pre registration is open now!

  • Outlaw Half Nottingham: Sunday 19 May 2019
  • Outlaw Half Holkham: Sunday 7 July 2019
  • Outlaw Triathlon: Sunday 28 July 2019
John Levison
Written by
John Levison
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.
Discover more
Dave Ellis / Luke Pollard - World Para Triathlon Championships Pontevedra 2023
Golden opportunity – British Triathlon launches search for LA2028 paratriathlon guides
IRONMAN Lanzarote 2024 - Anne Haug on run course
Best marathon shoes for Ironman – the ‘legal’ super shoes you CAN wear to level up your run split
Challenge Sanremo 2024 - Photo: Jose Luis Hourcade
How to fuel your triathlon training: Expert nutritionist tips to help you nail every session
swim start IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2024 photo credit Tony Svensson IRONMAN
Level up your Ironman swim split – must-read tips from an expert swim coach
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
latest News
Taylor Knibb 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Taupo New Zealand
US triathlon phenom Taylor Knibb hails great rival Kat Matthews for record-breaking IRONMAN Texas win
Richard Varga Jonny Brownlee Arzachena
Triathlon legend Jonny Brownlee reveals ‘Last Dance’ motivation behind latest challenge
IRONMAN Kona 2022 Age Group Results
How will “re-imagined” IRONMAN World Championship at Kona actually look for Age Groupers?
Lucy Charles-Barclay IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2023 Finish
IRONMAN World Championship goes ALL IN on Kona again with men and women to race on same day from 2026
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
Nice gets consolation prize of 70.3 Worlds after IRONMAN World Championships return to Kona
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...