Chichester Triathlon marks tenth anniversary - you can win a free place

This year the event will celebrate its tenth anniversary. Since registration opened in December more than 328 people have already signed up, compared to 143 who took part in the entire first event in 2006.

The event, sponsored again by Natures Way Foods, will take place on Saturday and Sunday, July 2 and 3.

Young people will take centre stage on the first day with the junior aquathlon and for the first time ever a junior triathlon. This will form part of the Triathlon England south east junior race series. Both events are for young people aged eight to 16.

On Sunday, July 3, it will be the adults’ turn to shine with the sprint (try a tri) and the Olympic-distance triathlon events.

The sprint triathlon will consist of a 400m pool swim, 33k cycle leg and a 5k run. The Olympic triathlon features a 600m pool swim, a 42k cycle and a 10k run.

Sarah Baldock, the director responsible for Natures Way Foods’ community programme, said: “The great thing about the Chichester Triathlon series is there are so many ways to get involved.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for first-timers to take part in the sprint distance or tackle the Olympic distance as a team of work colleagues, family or friends. We’re hoping to have a record number of team and individual participants at Natures Way Foods to celebrate the tenth year.”

The organising team will support any novices who would like a helping hand. They have helpful training notes and are happy to chat to anyone about preparation. Organisers also have very close links with the Chichester Westgate Triathlon Club, who are happy for first timers to come along for a few sessions to help improve their swimming, cycling and running.

Cllr Eileen Lintill, cabinet member for community services at Chichester District Council, said: “This is a real community triathlon and it’s an especially good event for those who have never done a triathlon before.

“There is still time to set yourself a challenge – and the triathlon could be it. With the right support anyone can do a triathlon and we have lots of experts on hand to help.

“We are very excited that this is our tenth year and we are very grateful to all the support from our organising partners and all the participants who have signed up over the years.”

All competitors will receive a T-shirt, medal, and water bottle once they cross the finish line.

For more information call 01243 534857, email [email protected] or see www.chichester.gov.uk/triathlon

Win a FREE place

To celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Natures Way Foods Chichester Triathlon series, organisers at Chichester District Council have teamed up with the Observer series to offer a FREE adult place for the event on Sunday, July 3.

The place will come complete with ten free visits to the Westgate gym (induction required before use) or swimming pool (public sessions only), and a free workshop with GB triathletes Mike Cooper and Jason Davis which will cover training plans and race preparation.

All you have to do is send your name, address and phone number and the reason you want to enter the triathlon to: CHI TRI OFFER, Sports Desk, Chichester Observer, City Gates, 2-4 Southgate, Chichester, PO19 8DJ. Or send an email titled CHI TRI OFFER to [email protected]

The deadline is Thursday, April 7. And remember, it’s not too late to set yourself a challenge for 2016!

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