On Sunday 1st September, Geordieman 2024 saw nearly 400 athletes compete in a range of events across the wonderful landscape of the North East. Aquathons, duathlons and of course the pinnacle event the Geordieman. What a FANTASTIC DAY, well done to all the competitors, supporters, organisers, marshals and all who made this day possible.
The hosts, Wild Deer Events were supported by a small army of marshals across the events to help keep everyone on track. There was also support from medical, Timing Up North made sure all competitors knew their times and catering and entertainment was also on hand.
So how did the day unfold?
Firstly, there was some swimming, then some cycling and finally some running. Ok, let’s explain more. Various events were on offer, we’ll explain a little more. Competitors chose between the following:
- Aquathon (Aqualathon) – Run, Swim and Run, distances can vary
- Aquabike – Swim then cycle
- Duathlon – Run, Cycle Run
- Half Geordieman – Swim, Cycle, Run – total of 70.3 miles
- Geordieman – Swim, Cycle, Run – total of 140.6 miles
- Open water swims
Details of the above events and entries to these and other events across the UK can be found at the Wild Deer Events page.
Swim
The first part of the day started very early, before sunrise! All the competitors arrived everything set up ready to go. Lots of work happens behind the scenes, you wouldn’t believe it! Ladyburn lake is ready with floating buoys marking the 1.2 mile loop. Safety team with boats and canoes are on hand supporting everyone and available should they need be. At 6.20am the first wave of competitors enter the water ready to start their epic journey. Closely followed by the second wave and two more after. Staging according to times and distance competing helps keep the competitors safe and aid with congestion. This is no easy feat, the longest Olympians swim in the pool is 1500 meters, this loop is further than that and the full distance competitors do it TWICE!!
Then into transition where precious seconds can make a big difference to your time. Timing Up North capture these times so you know if it’s an area for improvement, or just an interesting side note.
Cycle
Out of transition and on your bike for most. A 56 mile loop around the wonderful Northumberland countryside awaits. Country lanes, Castle views and coastal stretches are a beauty to behold. The route takes in some of Northumberland’s landmarks as well as the amazing landscapes. Stretching around WARKWORTH, ALNMOUTH, BEADNEL, SEAHOUSES, BAMBURGH, CRASTER & AMBLE. With very few steep climbs and an overall elevation of 2000ft over 56 miles the ride will appeal to all types of rider.
The return to Druridge takes a relatively flat course allowing time to prepare for the run. Even the entrance to the Druridge Bay takes in wonderful views of lakes and wildlife as you come to the heartbeat of the event and transition to the run, or final event.
Run
A run around the beautiful Druridge Bay Country Park completes your event. A marathon for those doing the full distance Geordieman, shorter variations were available. The run which is welcomingly flat (flattish) loops around the lakes (including Ladyburn where the swim took place). It also includes a lovely sea front section where Druridge bay sands stretch out to the North Sea. Finishing back just yards from where it all started. A welcome team congratulate you with medal, drink and snack before you take advantage of the food van and other stalls.
Obviously the supporters who helped you train and cheered you at various point on the course are waiting. Many holding banners and signs sharing in your Epic achievements. Some completing their first event of this magnitude, others pushing themselves to achieve better times and category prizes.
The team at Wild Deer work amazingly hard to create and put this event on. Most won’t know the investment and time it takes to create something this big. Years and months of planning, months and weeks of organising, weeks and days of set up and take down. Dan, Sarah, Jordan and all the team of suppliers, marshals and supporters YOU have done a MEGA SUPER job, FANTASTIC all of you.
A MASSIVE WELL DONE to all you Aquathletes, Duathletes, Aquabikers, and Triathloners. Full or Half distance you’re all GEORDIEMEN.
Details of this and other events are available on the Wild Deer Website
Photos from this and other events are available at Picture Perfect Photography
All the times from this and other events can be found at Timing Up North’s Website
