The GO TRI Gravesend Cyclopark Duathlon will be the first GO TRI event to take place following the resumption of triathlon activity in England.
“I’ve been bombarded by messages from different people asking about whether I can put events on,” said John Setford, organiser of the event. “I’ve got a really good relationship with the cyclopark and they were happy for it to go ahead if it can be done safely, so that’s what we’re doing.”
British Triathlon have provided guidance to event organisers to help them in planning and putting on safe, Covid-19 Secure events. Those that demonstrate this in their safety documents, such as the GO TRI Gravesend Cyclopark Duathlon, are issued with a permit to hold the event.
“We’ve moved the layout of the event around a bit, allowing us to spread transition out and maintain social distancing around our one-way system,” Setford added. “We’re doing a simple registration on the day and have already sent out the full race briefing to help avoid people congregating.
“Participants have completed contact forms for NHS Test and Trace in advance and will be temperature checked when they arrive. They’ll be set off at 10-second intervals and we’ll have lots of reminders to social distance throughout the event.”
GO TRI is British Triathlon’s introductory programme, with events run over shorter distances, helping to make them accessible and achievable to take part in.
“We sold out in 24 hours, which is incredible and shows how keen people are to get out and give something a go,” added Setford. “I don’t recognise most of the people who have signed up, so we’re attracting new people as well as some who are finding their feet in the sport.
“This is the 12th year that I’ve been running Bridge Triathlon and I’ve got great links with the cyclopark and the local council. It’s a great site and we’ve been really supported in setting up these duathlons.”
Billed as the fourth race in the midweek duathlon series, this is actually the first one that Setford has been able to put on as a result of the pandemic and he’s also had a number of other multisport and single discipline events postponed too.
Setford himself knows the feeling of missing races as he was due to represent the Great Britain Age-Group Team in the Sprint Distance World Championships at the ITU Grand Final in Edmonton this year.
“Back in March we realised it wasn’t looking good,” Setford said. “Thankfully, our participants have been really understanding, transferring their entry to future events and wanting to take part again now we’re able to.
“It’s popular demand that’s brought these events back because it’s such a privilege to see people complete their first duathlon. I love the sport and really enjoy running these events and giving people the experience of taking part.”
You can find GO TRI events and activities to help you into swim, bike, run by signing up to the community. There’s also a wealth of online guides and top tips to taking part plus, with over 25,000 members, the GO TRI community is a great place to be.
If you’re already confident in swim, bike, run, visit the British Triathlon event search to find an event that’s local to you.
