Second chance for Bury Ultraman
Tuesday, 10 March, 2009
Bury St Edmunds police officer Simon Bourne is taking a second shot at "Ultraman Canada".
The Police Constable, who now works in the Professional Development Unit at Bury Police Station accompanying new recruits on patrol, was entered into the competition last August but the collapse of Zoom Airline meant he couldn't get to Canada to compete.
PC Bourne says, "Because I was unable to take part in last year's event, I have been given a place in the competition to use this year or in 2010. I want to get straight back into the longer endurance events and so have accepted the place for 2009.
"Being stuck at Gatwick last year with no time or money to arrange another flight was heartbreaking. Of course retirement crossed my mind - but that's not an option for me and I have channelled those feelings of anger and frustration into determination. This year I will be at the championships and I intend to win.
"I feel fitter, I'm lighter and I've got even more desire to do well. I'm much better prepared for this year's challenge, I'm even more determined and driven, and it should be a stepping stone to something even bigger next year."
Ultraman Canada takes place in early August. Held in British Columbia, competitors take part in a 6.2 mile swim, 260 mile bike ride and a double marathon over three days. Until then PC Bourne will follow a rigorous regime of training and competing.
"I will be concentrating on running for the first few months, culminating in the Bungay Marathan in April. At that point I will start 16 weeks of river swimming in Ely alongside sessions in the pool at Bury. Cycling training will also step up, with two big races in May and June in North Wales. The second covers 150 miles including a 15,000ft of climbing and a mountain top finish - and is considered the toughest race in Europe."
During last year's training PC Bourne was working with the Youth Offending Team, which allowed him later starts and more flexibility, but this time he's on a shift system supporting new Constables. He says, "It is more difficult but I fit in training when I can, and I now cycle eight miles into work every day which is ideal.
"Last year's Ultraman challenge was dedicated to raising money for Cancer Research UK in memory of my wife's grandfather. This year I will continue to support them, but will also be raising money for Help For Heroes. RAF Honington is one of my sponsors and I use their facilities in training so I am pleased to be able to help their appeal.
"If I do well in Canada I could get invited to the Ultraman World Championships in Hawaii in November, and from there I want to build on my performance to take on the ultimate endurance challenge in 2010 - so watch this space...!"
Donations can be made to the PC Bourne's appeal by visiting www.justgiving.com/sbourne
