The 10th anniversary of the Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research Blenheim Palace Triathlon saw thousands of participants and spectators flooding through the palace gates to experience one of the UK’s most picturesque triathlons.
Adding some sweetness to the day’s celebrations, Blenheim Palace caterers, Searcy’s, provided a supersized birthday cake to mark the occasion, unveiled by nine year old Oxford girl Scarlett Clarkson.
Scarlett, who has acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), attended the event to cheer on her father, Dan Clarkson, team leader of Scarlett’s Dragons. Scarlett’s Dragons, made up of 22 Oxfordshire dads, including Radiohead’s Colin Greenwood, competed in a sprint team, raising over £90,000 for blood cancer charity Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, a cause very close to one member of the team’s heart.
Greenwood, who plays bass for Radiohead, said “It was stupendous and brilliant, and if I could learn the front crawl I would definitely do it again. Raising money for Scarlett’s Dragons is the reason we are doing this and means everything.”
From rock star royalty to football heroes, Oxford United FC women’s first team members, Holly Pickett and Amy Chivers, also took time out from football training to compete in the afternoon’s sprint team relay.
The 18 mighty Weekend Warriors also proved to be crowd pleasers, gathering a strong team of supporters throughout the day. The Warriors, each tasked with completing as many consecutive triathlons as possible over the course of the weekend, kicked off their challenge by completing a commendable 61 triathlons between them on the first day.
James Robinson, Managing Director IMG Challenger World, said on day one of the event, “The event’s 10th anniversary has already got off to a tremendous start, with a phenomenal atmosphere and buzz throughout the day. The event continues to sell out year on year which only serves to highlight the popularity of the triathlon as one of the best in the UK.
“The breadth of competitors and spectators we saw today is testament to the fact that the event really does offer something for everyone, whether you’re a participant or supporter.”
As Official Charity Partner, Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research have over 1,000 people taking part in the event and will beat the record £250,000 raised last year.
Matt Lawley, Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research Running & Triathlons Manager, said “Over 1000 people have taken part, raising more than £400,000 and making it our best year ever for fundraising.
“It’s been an amazing year with so many inspirational fundraisers. The Blenheim Duck has made a dramatic debut, Scarlett’s Dragons have raised over £90,000, and our celebrity TV Team has taken on its first ever triathlon. Thank you to all of the amazing unstoppable fundraisers who have supported us!”
The Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research Blenheim Palace Triathlon is supported by: Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research (Title Sponsor and Official Charity Partner), Cycleguard (Official Bike Insurance Partner), Maxifuel (Official Nutrition Performance Partner), Sketchers Performance Division (Official Footwear Sponsor), Tri UK (Official Retailer), Virgin Money Giving (Official Fundraising Partner), Scope and Macmillan Cancer Support (Official Gold Charities), Tri Plus (Official Media Partner), Tri 247 (Official Media Partner) and Marathon Photos (Official Photographers).
www.theblenheimtriathlon.co.uk
