Road-running Richard sets steely sights on Ironman Challenge

A dedicated fundraiser for Kidscan Children’s Cancer Research has been spending the run-up to his birthday a little differently this year – by training for a gruelling Ironman competition. 

University of Salford lecturer, Richard Talbot, who turns 51 on September 28th, swapped his shirt and tie for sportsgear and turn his triathlon hobby into a charity quest after beginning training for it when he turned 50 last year. 

The Ironman Wales challenge is not for the faint-hearted, with Richard training more than 13 a week to prepare for the course’s 2.4 mile sea swim, 112-mile hilly bike ride and 26.2-mile marathon run through the town of Tenby. 

And it’s not the first time the ACTri Southport and Southport Cycling Club member has set himself a feat with a difference, having already completed a 5k run in clown shoes for Kidscan – a charity which specifically supports research into new and improved treatments for children with cancer. 

The Southport resident has been donating money from his salary for Kidscan for around three years and has also taken part in events run via the University of Salford, but this was his first solo fundraising challenge for the charity.  

“After reading about their support for research into the specialist requirements of the treatment of cancer in children, I had to get involved,” said Richard, who is also part of the Southport Waterloo Athletic Club. 

Richards told Kidscan before the challenge “Kidscan has a close involvement with researchers at the University of Salford and I do think that university research of all kinds is able to have a positive impact on everyday lives, and the relationship with Kidscan is a great example of this. 

“I have run a couple of races for Kidscan at my university such as the Vice Chancellor’s 5k Fun Run, but this Ironman challenge will be the first time I’ve gone it alone.

“Now it’s nearing the time of doing it, it’s just as well I didn’t really know what I was letting myself in for because the course is notoriously tough with a sea swim and lots of hills on the bike and run routes!

“But I’m so excited for the challenge and can’t wait to raise some money for Kidscan.” 

Martin Keelagher, Chair of Kidscan Children’s Cancer Research, added: “Richard is such an inspiring individual – pushing himself to the extreme to raise money for Kidscan. We can’t thank him enough for the support he has given to the charity over the years and wish him all the best of luck.”  

Ironman Wales 2018 takes place on September 9th.  Richard has set himself a target of raising £500. To donate, visit: https://give.everydayhero.com/uk/rt-ironman 

For more information about Kidscan, visit: www.kidscan.org.uk