Almost 50 novice triathletes took to the course at Accenture World Triathlon Mixed Relay Nottingham thanks to GO TRI, British Triathlon’s beginner programme.
The culmination of city-wide activities aimed at getting Nottingham to swim, bike and run; Accenture World Triathlon Mixed Relay Nottingham showed that multi-sports isn’t just for the elite athletes, by welcoming novices to Victoria Embankment on Saturday 15 June.
Due to the persistent rainfall over the past week in the Nottingham area, the Accenture World Triathlon Nottingham races were held as duathlons in a run, bike, run format. The GO TRI race consisted of a 1.5km (1 lap) run one, 10.92km (3 laps) bike and 1.5km (1 lap) run two.
There were many first-timers who took part in their first GO TRI event including Andrew Trainor who said: “It was fantastic and there was a sense of relief and jubilation crossing the finishing line. It was all about pacing myself throughout the race and encouraging other people. I found out about today’s GO TRI event through a work colleague and friends who took part in the relay. I loved every minute of today’s duathlon and will be back next year. It’s onto the next triathlon now.”
Another first-timer Julie Moran said: “I really enjoyed it. The crowds and volunteers really spurred me on and the GO TRI team were so helpful. Getting on the bike was daunting as cycling is my weaker point but I made it to the end and am so happy to have completed the course. Today’s event has definitely encouraged me to sign up to other GO TRI and triathlon events.”
Stephan Couture participated in the open sprint distance event which was his 50th challenge. Chloe Couture, daughter of Stephan, has cerebral palsy and was pushed along the course in a wheelchair by her father.
Inspired by his daughter to take part in today’s event, Stephan said: “Chloe loves racing whether it be marathons, triathlons and endurance races. As long as we are out together as a team, she thoroughly enjoys it.
“We’ve had a fantastic day today and to people out there who are thinking about participating in triathlons, give it a go and challenge yourself. Triathlon is a great sport to get involved with and people of all abilities can participate. It’s all about having fun.”
Before the racing took place, on Friday 14 June, local schools from Nottingham took centre stage with their own GO TRI mini duathlon challenge. Taking place on the prestigious blue carpet in front of the P20 Grandstand, over 300 children completed their challenge before cheering on the elite athletes during their bike familiarisation.
Jenny Vincent, Head of Participation, British Triathlon, said:
“It was fantastic to see so many begin their swim, bike, run journey at the Accenture World Triathlon Mixed Relay Nottingham. To have GO TRI as part of this world class event, not only gives a unique opportunity for participants to cross the same finish line as some of their heroes, but also provides fantastic coverage of the opportunities that GO TRI provides. GO TRI will, in time, enable a whole new audience to get involved and enjoy a great experience in our sport through Events, Active Sessions and training tips.”
For full results, visit: https://2019.nottstri.app/
