Most know Brett Cummings (33) for completing two Dakar Races, but now he will also be known for taking part in Ironman Competitions.
Brett competed in the Standard Bank Ironman African Championships on Sunday, April 2 in Port Elizabeth along with three other athletes from eMalahleni.
This event has been a favourite on the European race circuit for over a decade.
The Ironman begins with a one-lap; 3.8km swim course beginning in Hobie Beach at 07:00 in the morning.
Athletes head out parallel from the pier for 300 meters. The course then goes past Humewood Beach all the way to Kings Beach before turning and heading back towards Hobie Beach.
Brett finished the race in 01:32:54. “I had a very good swim and I felt good afterwards,” said Brett.
During the first transition period Brett made sure he did not waste time but also made sure that he got enough nutrition and fluids in before he climbed on his bike for the gruelling 180.2km stage.
The bike course took athletes out on two flat, fast laps of 90 km on one of the most spectacular bike courses on the Ironman circuit. The route takes athletes along the coast at Marine Drive.
“I had a good cycle, at one stage the wind picked up which made it a little bit difficult, but nothing that I could not handle,” continued Brett.
Brett finished his 180km cycle in 06:25:57, averaging 28.02 kilometres per hour.
He then entered the next transition period where he got ready for the run.
With his running shoes on Brett hit the 10.5 km loop which had to be done four times.
The run course brought athletes closer to their fans and friends along Marine Drive.
“It was an easy ran as it was a nice flat route, but it was also tough as it was the last event at the end of the day,” said Brett.
Brett completed the 42.2km run in 06:27:27 and he averaged 09:11 per kilometre.
“I felt fine after the run as well, but I could have done more triathlon training,” he continued.
Brett finished the Ironman in an overall time of 14:54:36.
“I am very happy that I managed to complete the Ironman. I was a bit stiff on Monday otherwise I am fine,” said Brett with a smile.
