As more details emerge about the Vachery Triathlon – billed as a major UK festival of sport in Cranleigh, Surrey, on 21 July – it has become apparent that there will be a strong charity and fund-raising presence at the race.
Whilst some of the best triathletes in Britain have been attracted to the Vachery Triathlon by its challenging course and prize fund – the organisers note that it will be the age-group race made up of 1,500 triathletes of all shapes, sizes and ability who will provide the drama and glory after a day of racing.
As with many large sporting events, the Vachery Triathlon has become a focal point for many budding triathletes who want to inspire their friends and families to donate to local and national charities close to their hearts – with a 1.9K swim, 80K bike ride and 20K run providing an inspirational backdrop for their efforts.
Surrey-based local charity, the Harrison’s Fund, is one such organisation that has people racing and raising money and awareness for the fight against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. This is a rare and life-limiting form of muscle-wasting disease that unfortunately afflicts young Harrison Smith – the oldest son of Cobham-residents Alex and Donna Smith, who are also founders of the Harrison’s Fund charity.
Alex Smith and Gary Smith are racing several gruelling endurance events this year in aid of the Harrison’s Fund, culminating in the iron-distance Challenge Barcelona race and including the Surrey-based Vachery Triathlon.
Alex Smith, Chief Executive of Harrison’s Fund said, “To most people Harrison looks completely healthy. But on the inside, our powerful little boy is struggling. His muscles are deteriorating at an alarming rate, because he has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
“By the time he’s a teenager Harrison will lose the ability to walk. Eventually he’ll lose all muscle function in his body. Like all boys with Duchenne he’ll die in his late teens or early twenties from heart or respiratory failure.”
He continued, “The Vachery Triathlon represents a fantastic opportunity for us to raise awareness and funds and is the perfect ‘taster’ (if you can call it that) for the iron-distance Challenge Barcelona later in the year. The closed roads are a massive bonus as well.
Mark Davis, Race Director for the Vachery Triathlon said “We are so pleased to welcome the Harrison’s Fund to the Vachery Triathlon. They, like many of the triathletes racing on 21 July, are exactly what our sport is about; normal people put in an extraordinary circumstance and doing something extraordinary about it.
“We certainly wish them and Harrison all the best over the next few months and on race-day.”
The Vachery Triathlon, to be held on 21 July 2013, aims to offers participants a ‘big event feel’ in a stunning location in Surrey, UK. The organisers expect to welcome over a thousand triathletes to the standard or middle distance races over the course of the event weekend. With a private spring-fed lake, closed road bike section and a closed road run through quiet country lanes, the Vachery Triathlon is aiming to stand out on the UK triathlon calendar.
The Vachery Triathlon organisers have released a preview video with a look at the swim location and an in-depth analysis of the bike course. There are some top tips to be taken away about pacing and how to get up the iconic Leith Hill (twice!).
The event promises to offer something for everyone, with on-site camping within the Vachery Estate, an exhibitor’s area featuring the latest in triathlon gear and produce from local suppliers, plus fun activities for all the family who can take in the atmosphere and countryside whilst athletes race.
On-course nutrition will be supplied by GU Energy. Racers can choose to compete in either the Middle (half-iron) or Olympic distance races, either individually or as part of a relay.
The Vachery Triathlon Festival is located just outside the picturesque village of Cranleigh in the Surrey Hills, only minutes from London and the motorways, M25, M23 and M3. The organisers are also happy to talk to clubs about arranging special start waves for them to facilitate club championships.
