Oxfordshire dad Harry Gow is buzzing after finishing in the top 50 of Celtman – an Extreme Triathlon in Scotland’s North West Highlands held on 14 June.
He completed the challenge in aid of Launchpad raising a fantastic £1,618 (inclusive of gift aid).
Widely recognised as the toughest long (ironman) distance triathlon in the UK, it started at 5am with a 3.2km cold water (~12 deg C) swim where jellyfish are plentiful, followed by an exposed bike ride of 200km around a stunning section of the North Coast 500 and a mountain marathon summitting the two Munros of Beinn Eighe (3000m peaks).
Harry said: “In the Atlantic sea loch I saw hundreds of jellyfish, fortunately most were floating deep enough to be just out of reach, but a number brushed my chest and hands 
.
“Following the sound of bagpipes and drummers to the swim exit was amazing at 6am.
“The 200 km cycle was amazing past mountains, lochs, beautiful beaches and a good stretch of the north coast 500.
“Finally the run promised a trail run including a hike up the two Munros (3000m peaks) of Beinn Eighe.
“My speed through swim, cycle and first half of the run meant I arrived at the mountain start an hour before the cut off (and the coveted blue t-shirt).
“Despite looking clear, the forecast was predicting thunder and lightning and the mountain was closed by mountain rescue and I was sent on the ‘low route’ – a technical mountain trail. Run totalled 35km.
“I finished the course in 12hr 47mins which placed me 45th out of the 211 starters.
“None of it would have been possible without my support crew: Eliot Simons who supports Water Resources South East and the SRO team. Eliot travelled 600 miles to Torridon and back and gave up four days and nights to help me through transitions; meet me every c.50km on the bike course and run the second half of the run – huge selfless commitment which I am very grateful for. He even had Gow tartan shorts and snoods made especially #TeamGow!
“Thank you to everyone who wished me success and have put some money towards the Launchpad fundraiser.”
Harry, who works for Thames Water and has volunteered at our allotments, said: “After three years of failing to get through the ballot I was thrilled to succeed this year. The goal has driven me through hours of training over the last six months and motivated me considerably, while balancing family and work life.”
Harry is married to Laura, has two children and lives with them and their cocker spaniel Morris near Wallingford.
He said: “I grew up in Scotland and moved to Oxfordshire ten years ago. I work for Thames Water with a focus on improving operational performance. Outside of work I am a member of Wallingford Triathlon Club, involved in the Brightwell-cum-Sotwell Scout Group and am often heard playing the bagpipes!
“As part of my training, a club member got me involved in the Tribute Audax event which supported Launchpad. Soon after my team from work volunteered at Launchpad’s allotment in Woodley, which was an excellent day run by knowledgeable and passionate individuals.
“It made total sense that I should do some fundraising for Launchpad as part of my Celtman efforts.”
Fiona Keyte, fundraising manager at Launchpad, said: “This was such an amazing thing to do and we are very grateful that Harry chose to support us in our efforts to prevent homelessness, support people who are in our own housing and people who attend our work and life skills centre.”
If you would like to donate to Harry to you can do so below.
If you would like to support Launchpad at a challenge event, please get in touch with our friendly team by emailing fundraising@launchpadreading.org.uk
