Ruthin man to contest Black Country Triathlon

Sep 2 2008 By David Rutland

A CONSTRUCTION worker from Ruthin in the running for one of Britain’s top atheletic events is taking on his first triathlon next week.

Marathon man Phil Porter will be heading for the Staffordshire village of Wombourne this Sunday [September 7] for the Black Country Triathlon in a bid to boost his sporting success.

"I’m doing the triathlon as a challenge to myself, rather than a sponsored event, but I hope to raise money for a charity local to Ruthin and Denbigh if I get in next year’s London Marathon" said the 43-year-old, who lives in Tremeirchion.

Porter will face a gruelling challenge in Staffordshire, including 800 metres of swimming, 20 kilometres of cycling and five kilometres of running, but if he completes it successfully he hopes it will aid his aspirations to compete in 2009’s London Marathon for charity.

"It’s tough but I’m enjoying training, though I admit it’s hard to motivate myself to get out there after a day’s work. The swimming is proving the hardest, as I’ve never done much competitive swimming. But it’ll be worth it in the end."

Porter competed in the London event earlier this year, not only completing the course in four hours, 27 minutes, but also raising £2,300 for the Spinal Injuries Association.

He says that although he has long enjoyed keeping fit through his passion for playing rugby, he is still new to the world of running and that staying motivated is a challenge.

Phil, who works as a fitter for Ruthin firm Jones Bros, has also entered himself into next month’s half-marathon in Birmingham.