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Were you a spectator or competitor? What did you think of the Ironman UK Triathlon?

Ravindran Karthigan
I was a competitor in the race. Aged 21, i was one of the youngest in the field, looking forward to beating my time next year. feels good doing a race that others dream of.

matthew morrison
I did it! My first Ironman, and what a beautiful location. The 20 min tread water start and cold water was a treat, and the rolling hills were a surprize. But thank you to Ironman UK for making this Canadian want to come back and do it all over.

Yvonne Crabtree
I was a spectator August 2007 supporting my son Dr Jason Crabtree It gose with out saying how proud I am of him and the effort he put into it,he did an amazing time of 11hr 44mins (this was his first full ironman) I am sure many will agree we stood and cried at the begining and cried when they came to the finish, as in the other letter it is a very emotional time for all, I would like to say a big thankyou to all the marshalls and every one who helped organise the event, ensureing as safe as event for all as possible, with out them there would be no ironman and it isnt just for one day I was there on the Friday and saw all the helpers thank you to you all. I am so proud of you Jason love mum

Elise Browne
I did it. Words cannot describe the pain you feel. It takes more than physical fitness to cross that line. Finishing and, finally, earning the right to call myself an Ironman was one of the proudest and emotional moments in my life.

Michael Phelan
I was a spectator with a son, Dr. Matthew Phelan of Cerne Abbas, competing. It was a spectacular event and, along with many others to whom I have spoken, I am surprised and disappointed that there has been absolutely no national media coverage. After all, it was a huge international event with 32 countries represented. Aside from that we are missing an opportunity to interest young Britons in the excitement of such a challenging sport.

Vicky Hier
I watched my tiny little Mum push herself through one of the most toughest challenges anyone could put themselves through.I have watched her compete in the London Marathon (Several Times), the Half Ironman in Longleat and Florida but I cant explain how over whelmed and proud I was when I saw her reach that finishing line! Mum your an inspiration and your dedication is simply unreal!I Love You and I am so proud!x

Hamish Goddard
I was a finisher in 2006 and a spectator yesterday. Both experiences were equally amazing. I found that finishing last year's event was hugely emotional but similarly, I’ve never seen so many grown men cry as yesterday – Mum’s (or Dads, depending who was competing..) would hand the toddler or baby over the barriers so they could do the last 50 yards together and that would unfailingly open the floodgates to anyone watching... My friend Penny O'Brien, with whom I swim train, was utterly destroyed by the swim and spent nearly an hour in transition to recover - but recover she did - and went on to complete the 112 mile bike leg and the marathon, arriving at the finish line long after dark... There are levels of human spirit that exist on days like this to remind you, in a frequently nasty world, that humanity is alive and well. Simply awesome...