BARTON V PANTON – THE RACE TO BE AN IRONMAN


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While Andy, John and I are putting the final touches to our preparations to our LEJOG challenge, Warren Barton and Jim Panton are locked in a battle to become an “Ironman” on June 30thin Frankfurt. Both have been cycling, running and swimming virtually every waking moment for what seems like years. (Hint don’t ask either of them about the event or you will be subjected to a monolog on triathlon training for what may seem like hours…you have been warned). 

Everything has been planned down to the last detail but both continue to allege that are not competing to beat the other. Just 5 minutes with them reveals a different reality. Even the psychological battle has been joined on WhatsApp with Warren musing about his propensity to add distance to his swim and Jim wondering aloud if Warren might “blow up” after going out too hard on the bike!

Jim is expected to win the swim - a snip at 3.8km (2.361 miles) – partly but not only because of Warren swimming like a drunk on the way home from a late Friday night session! Jim will put the hammer down at the 61 bit of the swim we have been reliably advised.

In conversation assumed to be off the record, Warren suggested he would “gub” Jim in the cycle (185km / 115 miles) and so set up a certain victory. His late night protein fuelled kebab diet while cycling in Mallorca earlier this year may give Jim hope. 

The run – a full marathon distance of 42km – is a little less certain. Jim who has run several Comrades Marathons (90km) in South Africa is a marginal favourite. However, Warren has been pounding the pavements and hills around Balerno and being several years younger than Jim he could spring a surprise. 


Jim and Warren - either side of the fräulein - in full Ironman training - Prost!


An enthralling battle is expected, The two soon to be Ironmen were delighted to agree when it was suggested that their battle could help raise money for our charities. As a result, we are running a sweepstake on who will win bragging rights as the first Ironman home. All you have to do is chose the winner and how much time he will win by. Donate £5 (or more if you can) to either of our charities and submit your entry on the attached survey monkey. When you donate include “Ironman” in your comments so we can track what was raised as Warren’s employers will match fund * so the more of who you who play the better. 

Vote here and don’t forget to donate!

DONATE HERE TO BHS TANZANIA PROJECT



Good luck and happy non-competing to Jim and Warren. May the best Ironman win!

* Match funding is for registered charity only which means money donated to Aspergillosis will be match funded but not the Tanzania project. We would still like you to consider both causes. 

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