Another Blackwood Marathon is just around the corner
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (382104)
Rockingham, Australia
October 25, 2022 7:24pm CST
In two days, we’ll be hitching up the caravan and heading to Bridgetown, Western Australia, for the Blackwood Marathon. I mentioned it earlier and said there were four sections but there are actually five. Some make up teams while others compete as individuals. The 16 km horse-riding section is optional.
The first leg involves a run of around 11 kms. Competitors then paddle a canoe for 6 kms, swim 1 km, ride their horse 16 kms and finally cycle 19 kms. No wonder those who do all five sections are called ironmen/women.
We will be taking photos of the horse-riding section and we’ll stay on a farm there the ride finishes. Just before the ride last year, the owners lost their third child from a genetic condition. He was 16. Some years previously, they had lost twin girls at the ages of 7 and 11, to the same condition. I know some myLotters have lost children and it must be so devastating. My heart goes out to all who have had to cope with losing a child.
The photo is mine from last year’s ride.
12 people like this
10 responses
@FourWalls (86713)
• United States
26 Oct 22
What are those braces on the horse’s legs?
I know I couldn’t ever do one of those marathons. Just reading about it tired me out!
2 people like this
@wolfgirl569 (135770)
• Marion, Ohio
26 Oct 22
They are padding and some function as a support like a wrap on our legs can for running.
2 people like this
@allknowing (153530)
• India
27 Oct 22
Have you ever felt the urge to ride yourself considering you are almost 'in it' so to say from time to time.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (153530)
• India
27 Oct 22
@JudyEv Age is just a number. I saw a video of an 80 plus female doing the Salsa with her partner and winning the British got Talent award (lol)
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382104)
• Rockingham, Australia
27 Oct 22
@allknowing That's true and maybe if I'd kept riding I might still be riding. But I didn't and it's beyond me now.
@RubyHawk (99367)
• Atlanta, Georgia
26 Oct 22
This marathon is a tough one. These have to be strong, rugged people. There’s no doubt that losing a child is the worst thing that can happen to a parent but when they lose all their children I don’t know how they live with the sorrow.
1 person likes this
@Beestring (15372)
• Hong Kong
26 Oct 22
The people joining the Blackwood Marathon must be tough and strong. That's very sad about the children. My cousin lost her boy who was in the 30s a few years ago. It takes a long time to heal the sorrow.
1 person likes this
My condolences to the parents, losing children must really be devastating for any parent.@JudyEv (382104)
• Rockingham, Australia
26 Oct 22
They go a bit faster in this marathon as they're not travelling such a huge distance. At this point, it's quite a steep hill but they go up it easier at a faster gait, just like us taking a run a hill rather than trudging up at a walk.
1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (91297)
• United States
26 Oct 22
How exciting all this is Judy.
I would love to go to any of these.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (135770)
• Marion, Ohio
26 Oct 22
That is so sad about their children. It is a pain I would not wish on my worst enemy.
Have a safe trip.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (222417)
• United States
26 Oct 22
I can't imagine losing three children. The competition sounds really grueling. Not something I would ever compete in.
1 person likes this
