December 2014 will mark 25 years since the UK’s original tough endurance event, the Ballbuster Duathlon, first took place. The inaugural event, which started from a pub in Dorking village, before looping around the infamous Box Hill in Surrey, saw 20 people tackle an 8 mile run, 24 mile bike and further 8 mile run around the course, which remains almost entirely the same all these years on.
Over the years, event organiser Human Race notes that there has been an increasing number of ‘tough’ events popping up around the UK, but the Ballbuster still remains one of the toughest there is. It has been seen as a bucket list event for many endurance athletes and it’s been graced over the years by some of the UK’s finest and most well-known faces from within the sports of triathlon and duathlon.
Due to demand 10 years ago, with the original event at capacity, the Ballbuster became a series of two annual events, one in the winter and one in the spring. This year’s Spring Ballbuster is just weeks away, taking place on Saturday 1 March, with entries closing at 09:00 GMT on Monday 24 February.
According to Human Race, the Ballbuster Hoodie, awarded to all finishers of the event has become an item so desired that many competitors have highlighted it as their main motivation for reaching the finish line. ‘It provides a statement of achievement they can wear proudly when they head back to their triathlon, running or cycling club and a new colour and design will be awarded for finishers of the 2014 event.’
Alan Murchison, current ETU European sprint Duathlon champion and ITU World Duathlon champion was one of the most notable competitors in last year’s Winter Ballbuster. He said “The main attraction of the event is the iconic Box Hill route and the Ballbuster is also arguably one of the toughest Duathlon races in the UK. My advice would be to pace yourself, re-fuel and remember the last 8 miles off the bike is very hard but the most important thing is to enjoy it.”
Many of the competitors in the event will be supporting the Official Charity, Prostate Cancer UK.
Andy Sallnow, Sporting Events Manager at Prostate Cancer UK, said “It’s great to partner with an event that has such a strong history and heritage. The Ballbuster offers no gimmicks, it’s a pure and traditional event that tests the human body to the limit; which gives all the more reason for people to support those taking part in their fundraising efforts.
“The essential funds raised from the event will help us support more men with prostate cancer, provide vital information and find answers by funding research into causes and treatments. We wish the best of luck to all the participants.”
The charity is currently engaged in its high profile ‘Men United v Prostate Cancer’ campaign, which aims to build a united front of men against the disease. Men and women are being asked to support the punchy and unashamedly masculine campaign that uses the language of sport to engage the UK nation.
www.humanrace.co.uk/duathlon
www.prostatecanceruk.org
