On the weekend three AICJ teachers completed an Olympic distance triathlon on the beautiful island of Sagijima, near Mihara. It was the first full triathlon for AICJ English teacher Mr Tohill, the second event for Teacher of English Mr Muller, who also completed the Miyajima Triathlon in June, and the event made an amazing total of 181 triathlons for veteran multisportsman Dave Shepherd, who teaches, and indeed lives, Physical Education.

The weather was blazing hot, reaching a boiling 37.C around midday when the competitors were on the last stage of the race, the gruelling 10km run. Having swum 1500m in a frenetic sea battle along the racing lane, and then having bolted around the island four times on their cycles to complete the 42km cycling leg, athletes then had to contend with tiredness, sore legs, dehydration and mental fatigue to win through and finish the race.

Mr Shepherd cruised in at just under 3 hours, while Mr Muller and Mr Tohill finished the race together at 3:24mins. When asked what he thought of the event, Mr Muller said "It was great. It was HOT! It was really to go with such a friendly group of Japanese people, our supporters were fantastic, and it was good to see island life, and meet the locals who live out there."

The Sagijima Triathlon will only be around for five more years, as the population on the tiny island is falling fast. The average age of residents is now a venerable 65 years old, sponsors are going out of business, and a lack of volunteers mean this magical character race keep going - so get out there and give it a go while you still can!

Congratulations to all of them for getting out there and giving it their best!