Heath made champ Acker work harder

Triathlon specialists got their chance to showcase their talents in the annual event from Public Beach and there were no surprises amongst the locals with Marius Acker retaining his title in the men’s Olympic event and Pam Abbott triumphing again in the women’s race.  

The Intertrust Triathlon on 6 November saw a total of 108 individuals that included 55 at the Olympic distance and 53 in the sprint distance and 16 teams (13 Olympic, three sprint).  

Acker finished the 1,500 metre swim, 40km bike and 10km run in 2 hours 9 minutes and 37 seconds, three minutes ahead of fellow South African Johan Heath. Dean Gaffigan was third. Abbott finished in 2:26:31. Fastest locals in the sprints were Ray Welds (1:9:47) and Nicola Moore (1:23:50). Teenager Alex McCallum was second in the male sprint so he could be pushing Welds next year.  

Gill Comins and Arwen Lawson were second and third respectively in the women’s Olympic race. The mixed Olympic team event was won by the Brew Crew of Kaitlyn Elthinstone, Chris Graham and Jeremy Superfine. OK Man won the Olympic team. The Governor, Duncan Taylor led off the OK Man in the swim, Patrick Smith was the cyclist and Derek Larner took the team to victory after 10km.  

Two Cool Dudes, Laren Gillespie and Robert Rintoul won the men’s sprint team. Wonder Women of Tonya O’Connor, Susan Bjero and Dawn Kirton won the women’s Olympic team event.  

As always, the event was well sponsored, the main ones being Krys Global, Red Sail Sports, Governor’s Square and Comfort Suites. The Red Cross and Red Bull added their support as always.  

Acker was the fastest Cayman resident for the sixth year running. He turned 40 in August and does not seem to be slowing. “This is the closest run it’s ever been,” he said. “I only passed Johan at the half way mark on the run. He was two minutes 15 seconds ahead of me on the bike. I think I had 25 seconds on him on the swim.  

“I knew I could catch him. I predicted 2 hours 10 so I was about right and I’m very happy with 2:09:37. It was very hot coming back from Safehaven with no wind in your face. For the swim there was very low wind so our prayers were answered for the weather.” 

Now it’s the Cayman Half-Marathon next month for Acker, an event he also dominates and holds the record for.  

Heath said: “I finished only about three minutes behind Marius and what I’m happy about is that I had a really good bike ride and he only caught me at the half way mark in the run. I gave it my all in the last 4km but it was getting hot out there and I really started suffering. I’m happy with my time overall and well done to Marius.” 

Heath at 31 is nine years younger than Acker so the younger man is inspired. Heath said: “In this sport you usually peak in your thirties and I’m here for at least another year so I’ll have to give it another shot.” 

Abbott came second in the women’s Olympic event behind an overseas visitor last year but at least she had the unusual satisfaction of beating Caroline Cahill, her friend who is also an arch-rival. Cahill did not compete this time.  

“I was surprised that I was so far ahead,” Abbott said. “I’m really thrilled. It was a little bit easier this year, knowing that I didn’t have Caroline running me down. I was about 10 minutes quicker and I put that down to training with CrossFit Seven Mile. They helped me immensely. They really pushed me and helped me become better and faster at what I do.  

“I’ve had a good year so far. Did Ironman Switzerland in July, this now and my next event is the Cayman Marathon on 4 December. My last time was 3 hours 56 minutes so I’m not a fast runner but it’s all about finishing.” 

There were plenty of other stories besides the category winners, like James Murray who did the Olympic distance as part of his preparations for a 100-mile run around Grand Cayman on 26 November. Murray hopes to raise at least $25,000 for the Cayman Islands Diabetic Association.  

Eccentric French characters Jerome Ameline and Jerome Begot went around together on a tandem wearing Superman outfits, which added some fun to the proceedings. 

All in all, it was another marvellous event and strengthens Cayman’s reputation for premier sporting events.