Thanks to support and funding from Sport England a project to help grassroots participation was created. This project consists of informal, easy-to-access events and a triathlon training element that offers bespoke support for those looking to take their first multisport challenge. The project was branded GO TRI and the first official GO TRI event was successfully piloted in the summer of 2013.

 

During 2014 over 150 GO TRI events were delivered by event organisers and clubs nationwide, alongside scores of leisure centres offering triathlon-specific training sessions. The delivery packages underwent further development during this time and a dedicated website was built and is now fully operational. The training sessions can be enjoyed independently or used to enable new participants to feel ready for their first GO TRI event, which have distances starting from an achievable 100m swim, 2.5k bike and 1k run.

 

Within www.gotri.org you can search for GO TRI events and training sessions as well as have access to a range of useful guides giving handy tips for first-timers. There is also an exciting area where you can log your triathlon training, earn reward badges and share your experiences socially. Registration and use of these services is free. We hope you visit the new website and, most importantly, share it with anybody you may know who wants to get into triathlon.

 

Rob Bishop, Triathlon England's GO TRI Events Manager said: "Triathlon England recognised the need to introduce an entry level option for the sport and GO TRI is the answer.  I must pay a big thanks to all the hard work from the clubs and organisers who have helped us get this far and am looking forward to welcoming record numbers of individuals into triathlon during this important year for the project."

 

GO TRI's Training Manager, Giles O' Brien added: "Having access to triathlon training was identified as challenging for many, with joining a club perceived as the only route to getting started. The key to GO TRI training is offering a new way for people to feel prepared, motivated and confident to enter a novice event by attending sessions at a leisure centre or a sports facility convenient to them."

 

GO TRI is planning a national triathlon participation weekend named the GO TRI 1000 on 25/26 April with the aim to inspiring 1,000 new triathletes into our sport across one dedicated weekend - watch this space for further details!

 

Duncan Hough, Triathlon England's Director Events, Rules and Technical summed up how GO TRI compliments Triathlon England’s current offer: “From our new GO TRI events and training sessions, that support grassroots entry into triathlon, to the 2015 Triathlon England - National Championships series, we can provide a wide range of excellent opportunities for both new and existing triathletes to discover, enjoy and achieve in our sport.”