One of Britain’s best loved triathlons, The Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research Blenheim Palace Triathlon 2014, goes on general sale on 30 August, at midday. For next year, the Blenheim tri – which takes place on the weekend of 7-8 June 2014 – is offering a brand new entry type for just 20 lucky participants.
In an exciting addition to the 2013 event, the ‘Weekend Warrior’ was trialled by a group of amateur athletes who completed 24 successive triathlons over the course of two days, battling it out for the title of ‘Ultimate Weekend Warrior’.
This year ‘Weekend Warrior’ returns as an entry type, priced at £150. Participants are challenged to complete as many sprint triathlons as possible over two days and there are just twenty exclusive places available for this gruelling test at Blenheim.
Participants will start in the first wave of the day on Saturday and be allowed to start in any wave thereafter as they complete rolling triathlons. The unique opportunity was spearheaded in 2013 by city boy and fitness fanatic Tyler O’Callaghan who completed an incredible eight triathlons in two days.
O’Callaghan said “I’m really proud of myself as I think it’s the hardest challenge I’ve done yet. By day two I was feeling on track and was really pleased to complete my target of eight waves throughout the weekend. On the last wave I didn’t think I was going to make it, but the support from the military marshals and crowds helped keep my energy up and encouraged me to push on.”
As the ‘UK’s second largest triathlon’, set in the stunning grounds of Blenheim Palace, the event offers a unique triathlon experience to all athletes from first timers to elite competitors. This iconic event is generally considered to be an ‘official season opener’ in the triathlon diary and is certainly one not to be missed.
Entries for the 2014 event are currently frozen at 2013 prices until the 1 January 2014. As in previous years, Sprint, Super Sprint and Team Relay places will also be available.
Every year The Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research Blenheim Palace Triathlon attracts a fantastic elite field and up to 7000 triathletes to conquer one of the world’s most picturesque events. Previous years have seen Team GB’s Vicky Holland, seven time Multi Sport World Champion Richard Stannard and the famous Brownlee brothers take part in the event.
Spectators have also cheered countless celebrities including the likes of Pippa Middleton, Jenson Button, Iwan Thomas, Charlie Webster, Roger Black and Austin Healey as they tackle the challenging course.
The event attracts fundraisers for title charity partner Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research and it has been instrumental in encouraging participants to raise well in excess of £800,000 during the last five years.
Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research encourage all participants to pledge their support to the charity to help beat blood cancer and improve the quality of life for patients. Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research will also be offering charity pledge places to individuals in return for raising £300 in sponsorship.
For 2014, Gold Pledge Places will also be available, which come complete with an Unstoppables tri-suit, tri-belt and access to the LLR VIP area at the event.
Matt Lawley, Running & Triathlon Manager from Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, is looking forward to another exciting year, stating “2013 was a fantastic year for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research at the Blenheim Palace Triathlon. Over 1,000 triathletes raised over £250,000 towards improving the lives of blood cancer patients and the camaraderie amongst all that took part was inspiring. We’re proud to be associated with what is one of the world’s most prestigious events.”
James Robinson, Managing Director of IMG Challenger World added “The Blenheim Triathlon is a unique occasion giving participants the opportunity to swim, bike and run their way around the stunning grounds of Blenheim Palace. In recent years we’ve been lucky enough to welcome a number of celebrities and some of the sport’s top talent to what has become a real flagship event to kick start the triathlon season.
“We are expecting another successful year so participants are encouraged to enter as soon as possible.”
