Marlene and Laura Tackle the Outlaw Triathlon – A Monumental Iron Distance Triumph
This weekend saw a truly extraordinary achievement for two of our own. Marlene and Laura took on the Outlaw Triathlon in Nottingham—an Ironman-distance event that demands not only peak physical fitness, but grit, dedication and months of focused preparation.
To call it tough would be an understatement. This race included:
- A 2.4-mile open water swim
- A 112-mile bike ride through the Nottinghamshire countryside
- A full 26.2-mile marathon to finish
All in one day. No breaks. No shortcuts. Just relentless forward progress.
And they did it.
A Dream Realised – Marlene’s Journey
For Marlene, the Outlaw was the culmination of a year-long commitment to a personal goal. Her words speak volumes about what it meant:
“This weekend my pipedream of finishing a full distance triathlon became a reality. One year in the making! An absolute great, unforgettable experience. A massive box ticked”
From long training days to early mornings, setbacks and milestones, Marlene saw it through. To go from dreaming of the finish line to actually crossing it is a testament to her resilience and mindset. An inspiration to us all.
Laura’s Epic Day – Team Spirit, Tenacity & a Podium Finish
Laura tackled the race as part of a close-knit group of first-time Iron-distance triathletes—nicknamed the Iron Birds—and her post-race reflection perfectly captures the spirit of the day:
“Outlaw Nottingham you were absolutely epic. It was a perfect weather day & we had great support from our crew & volunteers on the course. Months of training paid off for us all, 9 started, 9 finished… all first time Ironman distance triathletes and six of us gaining age group trophies.”
Among those successes, Laura claimed a fantastic 3rd place in her age group, a well-deserved reward for months of dedication. Between structured training blocks, long weekend sessions, and mental prep, her performance was a standout on an already remarkable day.
“I did say one and done… but that extra 2 minutes is highly annoying 🤣🤣 Watch out Ali, you may have to keep this body on the road a while longer 🙄🙄”
True Endurance, True Inspiration
It’s hard to overstate just how big this challenge is. Completing any one of these disciplines on its own is impressive. To do all three in succession, over the course of a single day, takes a level of commitment and mental strength that few ever test.
Marlene and Laura have done more than just tick off a box—they’ve redefined what’s possible. Their stories will inspire not only fellow Carn Runners, but anyone who’s ever toyed with a goal that seems just out of reach.
A massive well done from all of us at Carn Runners. Your achievement is nothing short of phenomenal, and we couldn’t be prouder to have you both as part of the club.
