It’s again this time of the year where the regular race calendar stops for a moment and all skaters come together around a different kind of race: the British 6-hour endurance challenge.
Co-organised by FISS and LSST, this year it saw 63 entrants in the various categories, from teams of 4-6 to duos and even solo who seriously competed on the Colchester track (1 lap is 1.575 km) recently renewed.
LSST was well represented this year, with two mixed teams - EndurEnsemble (partnering with our friends from Herts) and LSST Team Train - and not less than five solo skaters - LSSTeph in female category, and DANHRY, SK8 M8, Pixel Muncher and Jimbo in male category.
EndurEnsemble had a last-minute cancellation and managed to recruit two juniors from Herts to join. They didn’t give it a second thought. The impromptu team managed to win the mixed category and third place overall, fiercely trying to beat seconds (two laps ahead) and defending their position from the team chasing two laps behind. Doing 104 miles for a team with four junior skaters is a remarkable feat.
Team Train is a team formed of Masters who like to mix the competitive spirit with a more relaxed approach. Reinforcing last year’s team with two additional skaters, they managed a respectable eighth position overall and second in mixed teams.
In solos, DANHRY, SK8 M8 and Pixel Muncher managed second (98 laps), third (83 laps) and fourth (72 laps) positions in male solo category and LSSTeph won on female. (82 laps)
Last but yet unforgettable: Jimbo completed 43 laps (that’s over one and a half marathon), first on new skates, then on the old ones and even on quads!
What a remarkable effort, congratulations to them all!
It would be impossible not to mention the stellar team support provided by Mihyun Park, especially to the solo skaters. Seeing her running her up and down the straight chasing skaters with energy bars and bottles of water without losing her smile is really inspiring and one of the best displays of team spirit.
Apart from overall winners, two golds, two silvers and a bronze collected, that is a successful day for LSST!
Many thanks to the sponsors of the event: SKATE 13, SL Photography, Connect Automotive and the Greater London Community.
We are looking forward to be back next year, see you all then!
More photos of the event are available in the Photo Albums section.