The organisation behind the challenging Isoman Triathlon has chosen St Richard’s Hospice in Worcester as its Charity of the Year 2018.
Individuals will be raising funds for the hospice at a number of events this year, including one at Arrow Valley Countryside Centre in Redditch on Saturday 30 June.
This is the second year running that Gill Jubb, a physiotherapist at the hospice, will be taking part in the event.
Most triathlon events split the amount of time between the three disciplines of cycling, running and swimming disproportionately, for example, 54 per cent cycling, 36 per cent running and 10 per cent of the overall time running. The aim of the Isoman challenge is to readdress this balance and create a triathlon where each discipline demands an equal level of excellence.
The challenge will be split as follows :
• The Isoman Full – 7 mile/11.2km swim, 61.3 mile/98.7km cycle and 26.2 mile/42.1km run;
• The Isoman Half – 3.5 mile/5.6km swim, 30.6 mile/49.2km cycle and 13.1 mile/21.1 km run;
• The Isoman Quarter – 1.75 mile/2.8km swim, 15.3 mile/24.5 km cycle and 6.55 mile/10.5km run.
Gill explained : “I have been competing in triathlons for about 10 years now and the Isoman really is unique! Usually in a normal Triathlon, the swim takes the shortest time and the bike the longest but this event aims to equalise the 3 disciplines. As I enjoy open water swimming, a longer swim suits me. The cycling will take place in the countryside around Redditch and then a lovely off road run on the paths around the Arrow Valley Lake.
“This is the second time I have entered the Isoman Quarter; I enjoyed it so much last year that I have signed up again! We also marshalled for the event after our race last year as the full length event takes between 12 and 15 hours so lots of marshals are needed. The event has a real party atmosphere with a stage, entertainment for all and refreshments throughout the evening.”
Gary Jarvis, Race Director at Isoman Traithlon, the organisers behind the event, said : “We are delighted to announce our support of St Richard’s Hospice during 2018. Challenging ourselves physically and mentally and at the same time raising money for such a worthwhile cause will be cause for celebration!
“Here at Isoman we want to make the sport as inclusive as possible, hence why we are offering half and quarter distance races too. For those that don’t fancy doing one of the disciplines or would prefer to do just one, we will also be running single sport events on the day. We want participants to choose how they take part, sign up and be part of this spectacular day of endurance!”
Alison Parkes, Fundraiser at St Richard’s Hospice said : “Good luck to Gill and all those taking part in the Isoman Triathlon at the end of the month! We are really grateful for everyone’s support and also really impressed with the level of fitness of all those taking part! All profits from the event will be donated to our care for which we would like to say a very big thank you.
“We are also looking for marshals during the day and volunteers to help with a collection during the evening, so if you have any family or friends who wouldn’t mind sparing a few hours to help us out, please do get in touch! Events like these cannot take place without the help of volunteers. Food, drink and a t-shirt will all be provided.”
To enquire about volunteering and marshalling at the event please email
St Richard’s Hospice provides free specialist palliative and end of life care for patients living with life-limiting illnesses and supports their loved ones. Each year the hospice team supports more than 3,300 patients, family members and bereaved people in Worcestershire.
The hospice strives to provide the best medical, practical, emotional and social support they can to help people live life to the fullest, as independently as they can, for as long as they can. They care for people with a range of illnesses including heart failure, Parkinson’s, and motor neurone disease as well as cancer.
St Richard’s is an independent charity and relies on donations for three quarters of its annual £8.8m income with the remainder from the NHS.
St Richard’s has launched the Build 2020 Appeal which aims to raise the final £1.4m needed to build a bigger hospice, enabling more patients and families to be cared for in Worcestershire. The total cost for expanding and redeveloping the existing building in Wildwood Drive, Worcester, is £5.3m.