Iron ladies (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Iron ladies

2:00pm Thursday 8th September 2011 in Local By Emily Roberts

MUMS with abs of iron and buns of steel ran, cycled and sprinted their way around a course carrying crates of wine.

It was the third year that the Bramley Iron Mums event, set up to give women motivation and support to get fit and exercise, has been held in the village.

There were 45 women taking part, either competing in the Buns of Steel category, consisting of a 3km run, 6km cycle ride and 100 metre strength sprint, or Abs of Iron, which was a 6km run, 12km cycle ride and 100 metre sprint, carrying the crates of wine.

Those taking part were given free training sessions throughout the summer to build up their strength and fitness.

Alison Jones, from Bramley Lane, was one of three women who founded the event.

She said: “It was fantastic. It’s a tongue-in-cheek event for local women.”

The 42-year-old mother-of-two added: “It’s valuable for women to get out and do something for themselves. Lots of kids came along on the day to cheer their mums on.

“In the feedback, one lady said that at the end of March she couldn’t run to the end of the street, but by the end of training, she could do a 6km run. It gives them confidence to achieve this goal.”

A fun day was also set up at Clift Meadow in Bramley, where the competition was held.

The Abs of Iron category was won by Bramley mum Clare Vickery, while Lucy Qualters came first in Buns of Steel.

A new award for the most improved competitor was also introduced this year, in memory of Caroline Withers, who was involved with Iron Mums from the start, but died of cancer last year. The special trophy was presented to Liz Happle.