Magherafelt ‘Iron’- Men head for Nice
Thursday, 12 June 2008
Simpson McGrath and Artie O’Kane.
MAGHERAFELT man Artie O'Kane and Castledawson resident Simpson McGrath are gearing themselves for the biggest competition of their lives when they travel to Nice on June 19 to take part in the prestigious and gruelling Ironman event there.
Speaking to the Northern Constitution Artie explained that this major endurance test consisted of a 2.4m swim, a 122m cycle and finished with a 26.2 m run.
“The Ironman Nice event is classed as one of the hardest one day events in the world," reported Artie.
He explained that each of the 2,000 - 2,500 competitors had only a maximum of 16 hours to complete the exhausting course on Tuesday, June 24.
Speaking on what he has been doing to prepare for such a monstrous challenge Artie said:
“I've just been trying to get as many miles in my legs as possible by cycling and running as often, and as far as I can."
Competing in such a strenuous and physically demanding competition is not easy however, comments Artie, "I began training at the beginning of February and since then have indulged in five months solid training and preparation work," he said.
Joining Artie in Nice is Castledawson man Simpson McGrath, neither one in any doubt about what to expect when they get there as this will be Artie's fourth Ironman competition and Simpson's second.
