IT has already been an unbelievably successful year at Harlow Running and Tri Club (HRTC), and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together. reports HRTC Ladies captain, Ella Wager.

There is something special in the air this season, with members setting remarkable times and new PBs across a variety of disciplines and events. A perfect example came this August, when five of us: Louise Kedge, Paige Bircham, James Catton, Gail Nicolls, and I, took on one of the ultimate sporting challenges, successfully completing the full Ironman distance at Ironman Tallinn.

Triathlon is one of the most demanding sports, combining swimming, cycling, and running into a single event. At its toughest, the Ironman distance requires athletes to complete a 3.8 km swim, a 180 km bike ride, and a full 42.2 km marathon run in one day.

The build-up to Tallinn was a journey in itself. We logged countless hours on the bike, in the pool, and on the roads. Many other club members joined us along the way, offering advice and encouragement, making the process feel like a true team effort. Training as a group transformed what could have been endless solitary hours into enjoyable sessions filled with motivation, laughter, and support.

In the days leading up to the race, we explored the historic city, prepared our equipment, attended briefings, and practised in the chilly waters of the Baltic Sea. Spending time together before the race, built confidence and excitement, making the experience even more special.

We began the Ironman with the 3.8 km swim, wading through shallow water to start the two laps from a pontoon at sea. Despite the cold Baltic waters and occasional jellyfish, we quickly found a rhythm, drafted where possible and exited the swim feeling strong and relieved. The 180 km bike, divided into three laps, tested us with monotonous long roads, relentless headwind and rain. Transitioning into the four-loop coastal marathon, we started strong, adjusting as needed to fatigue, weather, and unexpected hurdles.

Along the way, each of us faced personal challenges, including wardrobe malfunctions, stomach upset and shivering from the cold, yet we persevered together, supporting one another to the finish. It was, without doubt, one of the toughest challenges we had ever faced, but nothing compares to the emotion of running up the iconic Ironman red carpet and hearing the legendary words, “You are an Ironman.” For me, it was made even more special by qualifying for the Ironman World Championships in Kona 2026. Crossing that finish line alongside teammates I had trained with all year was an unforgettable experience that will stay with us forever.

It has truly been an incredible summer for Harlow Running and Tri Club, with Claire Carter, Kerry Mavris, and Ciaran Gilligan also completing Ironman-distance races at events across Europe.

As both a participant and Ladies Captain, I couldn’t be prouder of every member who took on these challenges this year.

With nine Ironman finishers in 2025, our club has set a new standard of achievement and inspiration.

What makes these achievements even more amazing is that we are, at heart, very normal people with regular jobs, families, and the everyday pressures of life.

Training wasn’t about having endless free time, it was about fitting in early mornings, late evenings, and whatever moments we could find. Proving that ordinary people, when fuelled by ambition, can achieve the extraordinary!

Ella Wager – Harlow Running and Tri Club, Ladies Captain