9 May 2016
Blenheim to host novel world record bid
A former elite GB athlete is attempting to set a daunting and innovative world triathlon record at Blenheim Palace next month.
John Brame, 36,is hoping to establish the first Guinness World Record for the most sprint distance triathlons completed in 12 hours as thousands of other sportsmen and women tackle their own triathlon challenges.
The attempt, at the Bloodwise Blenheim Palace Triathlon on Saturday 4thJune, is one of a succession of demanding physicaltests that Brame, a former junior international triathlete and professional cyclist, has set himself this summer.
He is raising funds for Bloodwise, formerly Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, the charity associated with the popular two-day Blenheim event.
“I am apprehensive but excited as well,” Brame says. “I’m trying to do an Ironman distance at sprint speed.”
The Blenheim course comprises a 750m swim, 19.8km cycle and 5.4km run. Brame will complete the distance as many times as possible within 12 hours.
Guinness World Records has set an estimated target of 10 full triathlons for the mark to be sufficiently impressive. “But the Blenheim course is hard and I think I will struggle to do more than eight,” Brame says.
“That will still be around 170km of cycling which is almost Ironman distance and 40km of running – nearly a marathon. Running into transition will add another 10km. The total swim will be more than Ironman distance.”
Brame, from London, forged ties with Bloodwise and Blenheim organisers as a coach for RG Active, his triathlon coaching company.
Alastair Campbell and Jenson Button are among competitors he has guided.
He returned to competition himself more recently but also wanted to do something for charity. Brame needed an officially-sanctioned course to make the record attempt.
Brame opted for 12 hours as a challenge sufficiently demanding to attract sponsorship. “People assume I don’t find racing that hard so I had to think up something tough enough to make them support me.”
He will begin his 12-hour bid at Blenheim at 07.45 and will have spare wetsuits, bikes and running shoes awaiting him in transition. Motorcycle outriders will safeguard his cycle sections until roads are closed for racing.
Brame’s other challenges include an eight-hour aquathlon (swim, run, repeat) and a gruelling 100 x 100 metre repetitions in a pool. He is inviting other sportsmen and women to join him for as long as they can and sponsor him to do so.
Bramecompleted a 12-hour ‘brick’ session (bike, run, repeat) in Richmond Park in April. “These extra challenges are allowing people to see me in training and to see how hard the record attempt is going to be.
“I could have 30 different changes of sport which will be one of the hardest things. It will mean getting my nutrition, body temperature and the logistics exactly right. You can’t eat much on the bike because you’ll soon be running, and you can’t eat while you swim.
“I struggle with cold water, too, and the Blenheim water is always cold. I will have to manage getting very cold while I swim, then warming up, then getting cold again.”
Resisting the temptation to race will be difficult, Brame adds. “I will have to keep to my pace and not be tempted to speed up when others go past. I’m hoping that once Guinness sees the coverage and footage, and assuming that no-one else sets a better record before then, that my achievement will be good enough.”
Ends
Contact: John Brame 07506 211055
Images: Contact John Brame for a selection of high res images.
Notes to editors:
- To donate go to
- More than 7,000 triathletes will take part in the Bloodwise Blenheim Palace Triathlon races on 4th and 5th of June, 2016. More details at theblenheimtriathlon.com
- Alastair Campbell is again among competitors.
- Races include the Weekend Warrior in which competitors complete as many triathlons as possible in two days (starting later and finishing earlier than Brame).
- Ironman distance is 3.8km (2.4-mile) swim, 180km (112m) bike and 42.2km (26.2m) run.