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“ It
tasted suspiciously of diesel” spluttered Geoffrey
Smith after completing his mile-long swim.
The Royal Docks in the shadow of Canary Wharf were the
scene for the 2006 London Triathlon in early August.
The full Olympic distance, which Geoffrey completed
in 2 hours 22 minutes, comprised the 1500m swim followed
by a 40km bike ride to Big Ben and back and finally
a 10km run. Geoffrey was competing to help raise funds
for MSH where his father, Raymond, spent a fortnight
two years ago.
The event is the largest triathlon in the world and
attracts some 10,000 competitors over the weekend. Fitting
in training for three disciplines is one of the challenges
for competitors. Geoffrey commuted from Putney to the
City by bike over the winter then added a few runs to
work, rides round Richmond Park and early morning swims
at Tooting Bec Lido.
Part of his motivation came from the fact that his employer,
ING Bank, offered to match all sponsorship raised. “This
means that donations from friends, family and colleagues
all get effectively doubled” said Geoffrey. “I’m
sending MSH a cheque for just over £4,750. Thanks
to everyone who supported me”.
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