Travers set the fastest individual time of 20min. 38sec. across the ten 160m runs followed by demanding fitness stations, and Birch – who used the lighter women’s resistance levels – managed to finish just 35sec. down as the second-quickest competitor overall. Both finished well over a minute clear of their nearest opponents.
The Deka Mile built on Guernsey’s first Strong event in the spring, introducing a short run before each of the stations, with all of this action contained in the Aztech arena.
Competitors were set off in waves as they vied not only against immediate opponents but the entire world of fitness racers, with all times being shared to a global leaderboard for the standardised discipline.
The zone sequence consists of reverse lunges, rowing, box jumps or step overs, medicine ball sit-us, the SkiErg, farmer’s carry, air bike, dead ball overs, sled push/pulls, and burpees.
Although initially challenged in his wave by Strong champion Jon Le Tocq, triathlete and rower Travers’ staying power worked in his favour and he began to work up a gap.
Travers was ultimately run closest among the men by Jim Elliott, who had gone earlier and clocked 21-55 – a fine effort for the V45 athlete.
Storm Force’s Le Tocq clocked 22-18, 17sec. clear of Leo Sanders who, as with many leading competitors, was representing hosts Upgrade Fitness.
Recent Granite 100 triathlon champion Birch had been in the arena at the same time as Kate Collenette, the Strong winner and an important figure in the organisation of these events, albeit having set off 10min. later.
She managed to make significant inroads on her rival, who clocked 22-36 as the sixth-fastest competitor overall.
Jenna Jackson took third woman and 14th overall in 24-38.
Birch, who also won the doubles alongside Hannah Pilmanis, was ‘absolutely thrilled’ to complete a personal double.
‘I put everything into both races, so it feels great to have come away with two wins,’ she said.
‘The singles race was especially tough. I started a bit too fast and really felt it on the ski erg and sled, but I pushed through and am delighted with my time.’
She thanked Collenette and Upgrade team, plus all the judges, for providing ‘such a brilliant event’.
‘The atmosphere was fantastic, with so many athletes competing and family and friends cheering everyone on,’ she added.
‘It’s brilliant to have a global event here in Guernsey, and I can’t wait for the next one.’
The doubles charge had been led overall by the Lais – Kin and Wing – with their impressive time of 17-44.
Birch again took second overall in her alliance with Pilmanis, posting 19-06, and in fact finished 7sec. clear of top mixed team Olivia Harman and Andrew Le Poidevin.
Overall, 53 competitors finished the singles event, while 24 pairs completed the doubles.
