Kidney Research UK

London Triathlon - Saturday 5 August 2006

The first transplant team to take part in the London Triathlon completed the event in a respectable time of 2 hours 38 minutes.

As in previous years, the event was centred around the Excel Centre in London Docklands, with the 1500m swim taking place in the Royal Victoria Dock alongside Excel.

Russell Clinker (who had a kidney transplant in 2004), Ernesto Antonio (who had a heart transplant in 1999), and Helen Hayton (who also had a kidney transplant in 2000) were all part of the 'Gift of Life' team sponsored by UK Transplant, which was entered into the event to publicise the benefits of organ donation.

UK Transplant specially designed logos were printed on the back and front of each team member's kit and the team also set up a 'Just Giving' webpage to raise money for Kidney Research UK and Heart Research UK www.justgiving.com/giftoflifeteam. From donations to the webpage and monies given by hand, the team estimate that they will raise in the region of £3,000.
We understand this to be the first ever team of transplant athletes to take part in a triathlon anywhere in the world.

Russell Clinker - Kidney Transplant - Swim (1,500m - 23 mins 50 secs)

With 314 teams taking part in the Team Relay event I always knew it was going to be a bit of a 'bun-fight' at the beginning of the swim. My first dilemma was to position myself in a spot where I wasn't going to get beaten up by all the beefy looking swimmers that surrounded me, but not held up by the slower less experienced swimmers. This is easier said than done as no-one has their estimated swim times printed on their foreheads!

I decided to put myself in the front line of the pack which either meant I was going to get a fantastic start or completely pulverised. I was obviously hoping for the former!

We all trod water for five minutes or so before the claxon horn initiated the most ferocious thrashing of arms and legs you're ever likely to see outside a Jaws film. I raced to get some clear water, battling with people either side of me whilst feeling the tidal wave of swimmers hitting my feet and legs. The water was boiling with white froth and neoprene covered limbs as I managed to hold off the 'tidal wave', seemingly baying for my blood.

After a couple of minutes I thought the initial sprint should have died down, but everytime I slightly relaxed my stroke, people were chopping at my legs and I had to carry on the sprint.

It wasn't until we had turned the first set of buoys that a leading pack emerged from the mass of people and a smaller battle took over amongst the pack. Although I couldn't see it at the time the leading swimmers pulled away and small chasing packs fought amongst themselves for that illusive extra metre that would edge them ahead.

I finished the swim in a reasonable time but in my anxiety to remove my wetsuit, forgot to cross the timing mat that would record it officially. After 15 seconds or so I realised my error and darted over the mat whilst trying to release my zip. After encouragement from the spectators around me I finally managed to get the wetsuit off and sprinted towards the marshal holding the large plastic bag in which I had to carry my wetsuit into transition.

The two sets of stairs and the long run through the huge transition area to our biker Ernesto took its toll, although I did manage to pass some less fit swimmers who had been reduced to walking.

The change over of the timing chip was slick and Ernesto ran his bike towards the bike exit nearby.

Ernesto Antonio - Heart Transplant - Bike (40K - 1 Hour 15 mins)

Ernesto writes:

What a great day. The atmosphere at Excel was electric from the word go and the supporters were out in force. Our own trusty band had arrived and were in fine voice, standing out in their UK Transplant polo shirts.

Our wave kicked off at 3.30pm and as the time approached the butterflies started (with me at least).

Russell had a great swim coming out of the water in under 24 mins. Transition was buzzing but a smooth transfer and change over ensued.

The second I got out of Excel the heat hit me as I headed off on the first of 4 technical laps. The course was a lot harder than the individual events I had previously competed in with few chances to build any constant momentum. The cheers from friends and supporters came just at the right time, just as the legs were beginning to tire.

I had reckoned on a time of 1hour 15 mins and sure enough completed it in 1hour 15 mins and 1 second.

Helen was waiting patiently and was off as soon as I had racked the bike for the last leg. I was happy but tired having posted a PB over the distance.

Helen Hayton - Kidney Transplant - Run (10K - 55 mins 46 secs)

Like the rest of us Helen was nervous as the race started but unlike Ernesto and myself she had much more time to dwell on it.

Ernesto had gone out on the bike at just before 4pm and as I walked out of transition with Helen we decided we needed to be back at our slot in the bike rack by about 5pm for the changeover. The hour pasted quickly and we were soon back in transition waiting anxiously for the sight of our distinctive UK Transplant designed kit.

Many of the other teams had similar kit and after a number of false alarms Ernesto appeared and ran his bike onto the opposite side of the rack from Helen and myself. An interesting changing over of the timing chip between legs pushed through the rack ensued and Helen was off.

The heat outside Excel was oppressive and we all felt for Helen having to run just over six miles in such conditions. On everyone of the four laps there was encouragement from our own personal team of supporters as Helen ran in and out of Excel, no doubt reflecting on the debate we had whilst waiting for Ernesto to arrive as to whether she should wear her sun visor or not. I am sure her immortal words 'it doesn't seem that sunny anymore' crossed her mind more than once.

Helen writes:

"I was thrilled when Russell and Ernesto invited me to join the Gift of Life Team and take part in the London Triathlon. Triathlons had always appealed to me but I was never brave enough to enter as an individual competitor, now was my chance to get a real taster!

I do not belong to a running club due to new work commitments but I set about training for my 10km run, getting help & advice from where ever possible. On Saturday morning I arrived at Excel and I was amazed at the enormity of the event. I had expected lots of competitors, supporters and exhibitors but the whole venue was buzzing with anticipation and I felt a huge sense of pride that I was part of the largest triathlon in the world.

Russell and Ernesto's legs flew by and they performed brilliantly and before I knew it I was on my first of four 2.5km laps. The first lap was the hardest because I was worried about not following the route properly and getting us disqualified. It was well directed and all went smoothly and I settled into my pace. I usually run alone so having all the supporters cheering was a real novelty and the atmosphere was very up lifting, it seemed to carry me along.

I found the toughest part of the lap was the slope coming back into Excel, but my family were waiting at the top with a camera so I literally had to grin and bear it! The big screen, sound systems and water stations were well placed although I did not quite master drinking while running. The last lap was the most enjoyable and my thoughts turned to my marathon-running twin brother Bernie. On 4th May 2000, he gave me one of his kidneys which gave me another chance at life, without him I would not have become the happy, healthy, confident person I am today. His generosity gave me my Gift of Life.

I thoroughly enjoyed my first triathlon experience and would love to compete in the team event again next year, I am also considering an individual triathlon next season too."

Once Helen started her final lap we moved to the finishing line to await her arrival and via a couple of carefully positioned supporters and ad hoc system of hand waving managed to snap her as she crossed the line.

We had been booked to do an interview with BBC Grandstand when we finished but were filmed by the London Triathlon camera crew instead for inclusion in a promotional film they were making.

We all had a great day and through our various interviews and newspaper articles have hopefully spread the word about registering on the Organ Donor Register to a few more people.