A FATHER and his two sons are going head-to-head in a triathlon to see who is the fittest in their family.
Dad Martin Browne is a six times Ironman finisher but at this Saturday’s Brecon Triathlon he will face sons Liam, who is 18, and 15-year-old Ethan on the starting line.
As well as hoping the June 2 event – where competitors must swim 400 metres indoors, cycle 20kms before facing a 5km run – will settle an argument as to who is the fittest member of their household the trio are aiming to raise funds for the Cancer Research Wales charity.
Martin, who runs SMB Beauty and Fitness in Brecon with wife Sarah, is also encouraging people to donate online and name which of the three they think will finish first for a chance to win a £30 voucher for the gym and beauty salon.
“We thought it would be a bit of fun to go head-to-head in Brecon Triathlon and at the same time raise money for a very good cause,” said 49-year-old Martin who lives in Brecon.
“It’s great as a father to have two sons that like being outdoors doing something they love with me, they have travelled to races from a young age and have always cheered me on with Sarah and have had a go themselves. Now it’s their turn to see if they can take over.
“We could not do what we do without the support of Sarah who has to put up with new wheels, cycling upgrades most months, cycle kit everywhere and being woken up at 6am on a Saturday and Sunday morning with the noise of the coffee pot and breakfast being made before we set off for an early morning ride and making sure Ethan has an endless supply of Weetabix as he consumes 12 a day between meals.”
Martin has been competing in triathlons for more than 16 years and has also competed in Gijon, Spain in the Duathlon after qualifying for the age group World Championship.
Liam swims for Worcester University and is a strong cyclist who has achieved numerous ‘king of the mountain’ titles on performance app Strava, while Brecon High School pupil Ethan cycles around 200 miles a week.
The 15-year-old races in cycle criteriums and entered his first Brecon Wheelers club 10-mile time trial of the year last week, posting a winning time of 23 minutes and 33 seconds.
He is professionally coached by Ryan Bevis of Rowe & King cycle coaching and is also a keen runner.
Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so online where they can also name who they think is likely to win to be in with a chance of winning a voucher. The fundraising page can be found at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/martin-liam-ethan.