Teenager Troy Kettle completes 35 mile plus endurance race

Troy Kettle is the youngest-ever finisher of the Ring of Fire – Firelighter race

Report by Don Hale

North Wales Road Runner Troy Kettle continued his love of ultra-distance events and finished 9th in the highly challenging Ring of Fire – Firelighter race.

This tough proposition involved tackling a 35.7-mile course (57.2 kms) with a 2880 ft elevation (877 m).

Troy was also the youngest ever finisher and the race added to his recent experience of running sections of Anglesey’s spectacular coastal paths.

The Firelighter race is part of the major 135-mile Ring of Fire Coastal ultra-marathon event, which is staged over three days around Ynys Mon.

His race was identified as a “taster” run over a shorter distance, and a chance to compete on Day 1 of this established and prestigious event but it’s a tough ultra-marathon race in its own right.

It is considered an epic foot race and followed sections of the rugged and spectacular Anglesey Coastal Path, with its dramatic backdrop of the Snowdonia Mountain range.

Troy at the start

Teenager Troy completed his run last Friday, starting at the Breakwater Country Park at Holyhead, and finishing at Amlwch Leisure Centre.

He eventually completed his run in 6 hours 32 minutes and although exhausted by his efforts, he earned generous plaudits from race rivals and officials.

After his incredible performance, Troy confirmed: “It was the first day of a three-day event. It was a very challenging but an enjoyable experience. I can’t wait to run another ultra-marathon. I was the youngest ever finisher and came 9th overall.“

At the finish

Troy’s father Jonathan, who is a top all-round senior athlete, added: “I am a super proud Dad! Welcome Troy to the world of Ultra-Running. He absolutely smashed the 35-mile Firelighter Ultra marathon. It’s a seriously tough route on the trails, so well-done Kettle Jr!”

*Troy was also raising much-needed funds for Bowel Cancer UK and is hoping to gather £1,000 towards his quest. The Justgiving fundraising link is shown below:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/troy-kettle?utm_source=whatsapp&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=troy-kettle&utm_campaign=pfp-whatsapp&utm_term=9e706a1d85d34de99cf163d6301018d6&fbclid=IwAR32EdtIp1BM1IcQl60V4KsIcI2y7xR1y4IfKedXKTac7Ii9xre-o8pBUb4