Around 300 participants took part at the country’s largest GO TRI event on the first day of events at the AJ Bell World Triathlon Leeds 2019.
GO TRI is British Triathlon’s low cost and short distance entry point to the sport and participants - many of whom were first time triathletes – enjoyed a 200m open water swim, 10km bike and 2.5km run on a wet and windy day in Roundhay Park.
There has been widespread GO TRI activity hosted throughout the city in the build up to the AJ Bell World Triathlon Leeds with many locals inspired to tri thanks to the success of Britain’s world-class stars who are based in the city.
Geoff McMullan was the quickest man to cross the finishing line in a time of 42:07, with a strong run from Michelle Marshall seeing her take the tape in the women’s race completing the course in 45:03 in challenging conditions.
Reflecting on the event, Michelle said: “It was a pretty challenging course, quite hilly and slippery at times. I’m really thrilled to have done so well and all the training has paid off. The event was well organised and to have raced on the same course as the elite athletes is something pretty special.
“I wanted to get some experience before taking on a full triathlon and participating in GO TRI events has enabled me to get that experience, build my confidence and get used to transitions. The events are so well organised, friendly, welcoming and well supported by all the volunteers.”
Competing in only his second triathlon having taken part in the AJ Bell World Triathlon Leeds GO TRI in 2018 Pete McQuillen Strong said “I was inspired to take part again as my children are doing it, my wife has done it, so it’s been a whole family thing today – it’s been great!”
GO TRI Participants can find their times and results here.
Tomorrow on Sunday 9 June, the AJ Bell World Triathlon Leeds will host the world’s best triathletes as Britain’s best take on the rest of the world in the fourth leg of the ITU World Triathlon Series.
More than 70,000 fans are expected to arrive in the city and will be expecting a thrilling race as the 2019 event hosts arguably the strongest ever field in Leeds. A small number of grandstand tickets are still available at leeds.triathlon.org/tickets
The AJ Bell World Triathlon Leeds is organised by British Triathlon, in partnership with Leeds City Council, UK Sport and the ITU.
Entries for 2020 are now open where interested participants can take part in either a sprint, standard or GO TRI event. To enter, visit https://leeds.triathlon.org/2020
