TROY KETTLE TACKLED TOUGH FIRELIGHTER ULTRA-MARATHON CHALLENGE RACE

TROY KETTLE TACKLED TOUGH ANGLESEY FIRELIGHTER ULTRA-DISTANCE CHALLENGE RACE

Report by Don Hale. Photographs courtesy of the Kettle family.

North Wales Road Runner Troy Kettle continued his love of ultra-distance events and finished 9th last Friday in the highly challenging Anglesey Ring of Fire – Firelighter race – which involved tackling a 35.7-mile course (57.2kms) with a 2880 ft of elevation (877m).

Troy was the youngest ever finisher and this race added to his recent experience of running sections of Anglesey’s spectacular coastal paths. The Firelighter race is part of the major 135-mile Ring of Fire Coastal ultra-marathon event, which is staged over three days around Yns Mon.

*Troy is pictured awaiting starters orders at the Anglesey Firelighter event.

His race was identified as a “taster” run over a shorter distance, and a chance to compete on Day 1 of this established and prestigious event but it’s a tough ultra-marathon race in its own right.

It is considered an epic foot race and followed sections of the rugged and spectacular Anglesey Coastal Path, with its dramatic backdrop of the Snowdonia Mountain range.

Teenager Troy completed his run last Friday, starting at the Breakwater Country Park at Holyhead, and finishing at Amlwch Leisure Centre. He eventually completed his run in 6 hours 32 minutes and although exhausted by his efforts, he earned generous plaudits from race rivals and officials.

After his incredible performance, Troy confirmed: ‘It was the first day of a three-day event. It was a very challenging but an enjoyable experience. I can’t wait to run another ultra-marathon. I was the youngest ever finisher and came 9th overall.’

Troy’s father Jonathan, who is a top all-round senior athlete, added: ‘I am a super proud Dad! Welcome Troy to the world of Ultra-Running. He absolutely smashed the 35-mile Firelighter Ultra marathon. It’s a seriously tough route on the trails, so well-done Kettle Jr!’