AndyHortonIronman

White Oak

Many of us knew Andy through training at Dartford Road Runners where he was a regular runner for many years. He was a character and always a jovial and friendly member of training sessions.
His good friend, Martin Heap is creating a remembrance page on the DRRs web site which should be very good. Andy joined the tri club in 2008 when he and some fellow runners decided they would take on the challenge of Austria Ironman 2009. Mike Richarson didn’t think Andy could finish inside the time limit and made a bet with him saying he would have a DRR tattoo on his rear if he did. It was a special year for us all training with these newcomers.

"Andy was never afraid to take on a massive undertaking, once he had set his sights on accomplishing one of the toughest accolades in our sport he set upon it with gusto! He had an ability to have time for everyone he met at the club, always more interested in what you were doing rather than his own challenges. Its because of this and his wonderfully warm personality that everyone he met at WOTS immediately classed him as a great friend.One of Andy's proudest sporting achievements came on July 5th 2009 at Ironman Austria. On a hired tri bike that he had only been able to test ride for 30 minutes before packing it onto the plane, Andy headed off to take on his challenge. Throughout the whole holiday his infectious smile and laugh kept us all sane, always able to keep you calm and relaxed. His name was sprayed on the road by people he had only met 2 days prior - a typical example of how he touched people. " Mike (aka Peanut)

A very rare photo of Andy with a serious and thoughtful look on his face. Taken early in the morning whilst he prepared in the transition area.
(Taken 05:01 -5th July 2009)

This is not what it might at first look like.
Taken at 5:45am 5th July 2009 on the beach at Klagenfurt looking more relaxed than above. (wetsuit obviously rolled down to the waist.

I will never forget the Ironman Austria, Standing on the Lido with Andy asking a question and getting an answer that made me laugh. I asked Andy "How many Triathlons have you done" Andy's Answer " Oh this is my first ' !!!!!
Then I went on to ask him " Have you done much open water swimming, Andy answered " when I jump in this lake it will be my first"!!! Surprisingly enough he then went on to tell me how nervous he was which made us all more determined to cheer him on and watch him all day on his way to becoming an Ironman. We stood and cheered him on for the run, We waited at the finish and were all screaming when we watched him cross the finish line.
What an amazing time for all of us, to be in the company of such a great man. A Genuine, Kind and Friendly Man who will so sadly be missed.
We will all raise a glass to you in Frankfurt, with a tear in our eye. You have left such amazing memories of such an amazing event.
I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet you and am so proud to call you my friend.

Julie XXXXX

The memory of you smiling running down the finishing shoot in Austria will live with me forever.
I will toast your memory at the finish in Frankfurt with a big smile on my face, albeit with a heavy heart.
We will always miss you, but you will never be forgotten; top bloke with the most infectious smile!!!

Steve Clarke

"Andy performed superbly in the race, he loved every minute of the challenge and we loved having him with us. In true style he celebrated at the end by raising a glass! " Mike (aka Peanut)

(Taken 22:51 - 5th July 2009)

The story behind this photo was touched on earlier (above). Mike Richardson who had made the bet with Andy when he first entered Austria had the tatto and ran around Dartford running tack in a mankini showing it off. This photo was taken whilst Andy was following Mike around the track.

Andy, you touched so many of us and will be missed dearly, we will always remember you.
You will be greatly missed at next year's Frankfurt Ironman and we will all be racing in your memory.

Andy Horton - A truely lovely man.

Last modified: 30-Jul-2010