Evertonian Amy Completes Gruelling Triathlon For EitC

Evertonian Amy Barnes completed the gruelling Ironman Bolton triathlon on Sunday 14 July whilst raising vital funds for Everton in the Community.

An Ironman Triathlon is one of a series of long-distance triathlon races organised by the World Triathlon Corporation, consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride and a marathon 26.22-mile run, raced in that order and without a break. 

Season Ticket Holder Amy completed the Ironman triathlon in 15 hours 35 minutes 46 seconds and has raised £1,350 for the Club’s official charity, smashing her original fundraising target of £1,000.

After taking part in her first triathlon in Liverpool at the Albert Dock a few years ago, Amy and her friend enjoyed it so much that they continued to compete in triathlons each summer, ranging from sprint distance to Olympic distance. Now in her fourth year and after completing a half Ironman distance triathlon in Chester in 2018, Amy’s thoughts moved onto the full Ironman and knew they wouldn’t stop under she gave it a go. 

Reflecting on her incredible achievement, Ironman Amy said: “The people of Bolton and the people in the villages we cycled through were absolutely lovely; they cheered everyone on all day and created such a great atmosphere. The day was tiring, exciting, painful and enjoyable.

The cycle was brutal and apparently the hardest bike route of any Ironman in the world – 1900 people started and 1300 finished. The marathon was a four-lap route which went through Queen’s Park – my family and friends based themselves there and helped me through each time I passed. The final lap was the hardest but the finish line was amazing; Ironman UK and the Bolton volunteers created a brilliant event and by the end we were all really emotional!

“As a Season Ticket Holder at Goodison I’ve always been aware of the good work of Everton in the Community. I’ve worked in sport development in Sefton for 14 years, working on different programmes which use activity to help prevent onset of medical conditions and improve lifestyle. I love working with people and seeing them change their health for the better which I know Everton in the Community do week-in-week-out.”

You can donate to Amy’s fundraising efforts by clicking here.