Once again Cannock Soroptimists volunteered, both as bag packers and as race marshals, at the annual Staffordshire Ironman 70.3 race. Two days before the event, June Bould, Trish Mellor and Jackie Prince spent a day bag packing; they worked hard to ensure that all 2,500 competitors and those who marshal on the day of the event had everything they needed. They learned a lot about the hard work and complex planning that goes on behind the scenes to prepare for an international event of this scale.
Early on Sunday 9th June, 4 other members of Cannock Soroptimists: Val Jones, Jill Gooch, Dawn Pope and Olivia Lyons were in position near to Chasewater to marshal the first part of the bike ride section of the race. Competitors had already completed the 1.2 mile swim when they began the 56 mile bike ride on their way to Shugborough where they then ran a half marathon! A lovely sunny morning ensured the race started on time. Soroptimist marshals were in awe of Lucy Charles-Barclay who swam the 1.2 mile in 15 degree water temperature with fastest overall swim. She continued her lead in the cycle section matching the speed of the pro-men; and was the fastest women’s runner, becoming overall women’s winner. All of the marshals thought it was a great experience being part of such an event, directing the riders and cheering them on. The competitors were so appreciative of the job all of the volunteer marshals do, shouting out their thanks and often sharing a joke about the day and the weather.
Ironman donates monies to charities in lieu of the help given by volunteers. Donations to the club this year will help towards SI Cannock’s President Trish Smith’s charity this year which is Staffordshire Women’s Aid.
The next club meeting at the Barns, Huntington, will be at 7.00pm on Tuesday June 18th when the speaker will be a representative of the charity Mary’s Meals.
Anyone wishing to come along can email june.bould@gmail.com or phone 01543 876209
More information on the work of the Cannock Club can be found on the website above and on www.facebook.com/SICannock; or the twitter account @sicannock
Bag Packing Photo l to r: Jackie Prince, June Bould and Trish Mellor
Marshal photo l to r: Jill Gooch, Olivia Lyons and Val Jones