By Major Peter Hilton, County HQ, GMACF
Former Commando Gunner and now Adult Instructor with Greater Manchester ACF, Sgt Sean Crompton, almost fell into the IRON MAN UK Competition by accident. The event, which is held in the countryside and waters of Wigan and Bolton on an annual basis, relies for some of its administrative support on the resources of GMACF’s 5 (Anzio) Company, which recruits in both towns.
Last year, one of the Cadets, appealing to – or taunting(?) – Sean’s Green Beret service innocently asked if Sean thought that he could compete in the competition. Red Rag and Bull didn’t come into it, and with little further persuasion, Sean was hooked and decided to try his hand at the 2012 competition. He has spent many, many months cycling, running and swimming in preparation for the event to be held this weekend 21-22 July.
The course consists of the following stages:
- A 2.4 mile swim in Pennington Flash, Leigh
- A bike course which comprises a 14 mile point to point cycle from Pennington Flash. The course travels via Westhoughton and Horwich before joining a three lap circuit starting from Adlington and then travelling anti-clockwise on the loops, taking in 5249 ft of climbing via Rivington, Belmont, Abbey Village, Wheelton, Buckshaw Village, Eccleston and Charnock Richard before re-joining Adlington at the start of the lap. After the third lap, athletes turn off the circuit at Rivington for Rivington and Blackrod High School (Total of 112 miles)
- The running course run course includes an 8 mile point to point run from Blackrod into Bolton town centre for three laps of a circuit before entering the finish funnel in Victoria Square. (Total of 26.2 miles).
Sean is relaxed about his prospects for fame and victory – he will be competing in an international field with many professional athletes, including some who are using the event for final preparation for other, even greater sporting endeavours. Instead, Sean is motivated by personal challenge and the opportunity to raise money for two forces charities – SSAFA (The Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmen’s’ Families Association and the Army Benevolent Fund.
To support Sean and donate to SSAFA, please visit Sean’s Just Giving page at: http://www.justgiving.com/sean2979
To support Sean and donate to the ABF, please visit Sean’s Just Giving page at:
http://www.justgiving.com/sean29commando