Girl power: Triathlon Pink UK ambassadors help spread the word

As the inaugural Triathlon Pink UK series is set to kick off next month, the team at the women’s’ only tri series have announced three event ambassadors who have volunteered to help spread the word about the series and provide encouragement and support at the events.

The organisers note that these three women represent the core foundations of Triathlon Pink, which is ‘inclusive and supportive of women at all levels and ages to get active and involved.’

Triathlon Pink Media and Communications Director, Lisa Pringle said, “We’re thrilled to announce these three extraordinary women as our Ambassadors, and each one exemplifies the very core of what Triathlon Pink embodies.”

Triathlon Pink, the all-women triathlon series has announced its goal to help women of the UK raise £1 million for partner charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Triathlon Pink has been operating in Australia for seven years and has raised over AU$1 million (£0.6 million / US$0.9 million) for breast cancer research.

Fay Dellimore was 40 when she first took up triathlon, finishing last in many of her races in those early years; a decade on she has qualified for the world championships. “Triathlon has become a massive part of my life and I am passionate about encouraging women into this wonderful sport,” Fay said.

“The nature of Triathlon Pink gives women the chance to have a go at three different sports and in doing so, achieve a goal that they may not have imagined possible.”

She continued, “It is the ultimate confidence booster and when each individual comes across the finish line they will know they can do anything! So much of what I do is about inspiring others and so being an Ambassador for Triathlon Pink is a perfect role for me.

“And of course what a wonderful way to honour those people they love who are fighting cancer or who have lost their own battles,” she said.

Fay says it is important for experienced female triathletes to be there to support women just beginning their triathlon journey.

“I still get nervous now before a race and I have years of experience and I know that a lot of the women will be doing their first, so I can imagine they will welcome a friendly gesture, whether it be beforehand or during the actual event!

“My first triathlon was a back to front triathlon, run, bike and then swim last. I had a heavy mountain bike, which I had borrowed from a friend and I struggled to carry it up the steep steps at transition! On the swim section, I had the pool to myself because everyone else had finished! It was great fun though,” she said.

Fay is often asked to give advice to novice triathletes and offers up three important tips she feels are most helpful.

“Prepare well, do the training and seek advice from experienced triathletes. The second is never compare yourself to anybody else; you are there for you and as you. This is your day, your event, enjoy it for you! The third is smile, it always makes everything easier,” Fay said.

Triathlon Pink ambassador Victoria Gill did her first triathlon back in 2009 crossing over from a running background but admits she was very nervous going into it.

“As a non-swimming runner I was absolutely petrified but after crossing the finish line a snotty, sweaty mess, I was hooked.”

Victoria has gone on to achieve success; firstly in duathlon and then challenging herself to learn to swim and become a triathlete. She has gone onto compete across all distances in the sport.

Victoria is like a moth to a flame when it comes to anything pink, so when she heard about Triathlon Pink coming to the UK she had to get involved.

“I’m so excited for these events to kick off over the next few months, and really hope they attract more women to join us in this sport. “Triathlon can seem overly serious and daunting with all the technology and equipment to novices but Triathlon Pink offers a triathlon taster accessible to everyone, regardless of your starting point fitness wise.

“The fact that it’s women only and in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer makes it even more appealing and meaningful,” she said.

Victoria continued, “Relax and enjoy the ride! Triathlon is a roller coaster – things will be good and bad in training and racing. It is how you deal with the adversity and overcome hurdles that will make the accomplishment even sweeter.”

Natarsha Wendt was the first to sign on as a Triathlon Pink ambassador and believes it’s important for triathletes already competing in the sport to help promote and engage new women into participating.

“I believe in supporting and encouraging women of all abilities to get involved in triathlon. I also have friends who have and are suffering from breast cancer and I want to do anything I can that supports the two,” said Natarsha.

A self confessed ‘weekend warrior’ who now competes across all distances, Natarsha first took part in a series in Australia back in 2007.

“It was called the BRW Corporate Tri series. I never knew how to run, ride a bike or swim. The company I worked for co-sponsored the event and provided any employee interested with training. So I am proud to say that Australian Unity in 2007 got me into triathlon. I have never looked back since,” she said.

The inaugural Triathlon Pink UK series is designed to encourage women of all fitness levels and backgrounds to participate in a swim, bike and run event in 2014 and raise funds to aid the fight against breast cancer. Five Triathlon pink events will be conducted in the United Kingdom in 2014 with the first event being held in Crystal Palace on 1 June.

Subsequent Triathlon Pink events will held in Bath (8 June), Sunderland (29 June), Leeds (6 July) and Basildon (3 August). Participants can enter any of the short, medium or long course events at any of the above event locations.

Each Triathlon Pink event is held in swimming pools and on closed park roads. They are positioned as safe and provide full support to the participants. The UK series includes support events such as the Triathlon Pink Kids for boys and girls aged 13 years and under and the Pink Pyjama Fun Run, which also provides men and the wider community the opportunity to show their support for the fight against breast cancer in a unique 3K fun run at every Triathlon Pink UK event.

www.triathlonpink.co.uk
www.breakthrough.org.uk