Leading UK mass participation events organiser, Human Race, has confirmed its triathlon event calendar for the 2014 season. A host of familiar events make their return this year, amongst some exciting new additions; and the UK May bank holiday weekend at Dorney Lake looks to be one not to miss.
Team Carbon Bikes will also return as the official triathlon bike partner of Human Race triathlon events.
The 2014 season will kick off in a different way to previous years with the Garmin Eton Sprints at Dorney Lake on Saturday 17 May before the return of one of the old favourites, day one of the Garmin Eton SuperSprints at the same venue the next day.
The flat course and clear water make these events ideal for first time triathletes wanting to dip their toes into multisport waters for the first time or those wanting to nail a confidence-boosting speedy race early in the season. On the Saturday Human Race has also been selected to organise the British Triathlon Federation Sprint Championships, so those more experienced athletes can see how they measure up against the nation’s best.
Then the bank holiday weekend after promises to be a festival of sport at Dorney Lake – with triathlon and open-water swim events on all three days. The weekend kicks off on Saturday 24 May with day two of the Garmin Eton SuperSprints, offering those who missed day one or who just want to have another crack at smashing that PB another opportunity to take part.
The next day sees another new event hit the Human Race calendar with the introduction of the Wiggle Tri Relays; a variation on the traditional triathlon format. The event will offer three different relay formats to choose from with one matching the National Championships format, giving tri clubs the chance to get some early season practice in.
The relays are positioned as being perfect for those who love the camaraderie of triathlon but aren’t as strong at one of the disciplines or those who simply want to push themselves with a group of mates.
The bumper weekend draws to a close with the Financial Times Eton Swim on 26 May on the same lake. With five distances to choose from, ranging from 750m to an iconic 10K ‘swimmers marathon’, the day caters for both the nervous novice and the experienced distance swimmer.
Dorney Lake’s perfect conditions make the event ideal for keen open water swimmers, aspiring first-time triathletes looking to gain experience in traditionally the most daunting discipline, or those looking to sharpen up their swimming leg in preparation for the rest of the season.
The iconic Windsor Triathlon, seven-time winner of the BTF’s ‘Event of the Year’, will take place on 15 June. Individual places have again sold out early but there are still spots in the team relay and places with official event charity Scope.
The Lidl Bananaman Triathlon on 5 July is positioned as the ultimate family day out, with six different events across a range of distances meaning children as young as 11 and beginners can complete the Banana Split whilst those more experienced can take on the challenging Whole Banana. Youngsters can also have a crack at the SuperTri Children’s, Youth & Junior Triathlon on 6 July at Dorney Lake, which welcomed over 1,000 competitors last year.
The event is open to a host of age ranges for those between nine and 19 years old, whilst Human Race has also been chosen to organise the British Triathlon Federation Youth & Junior Super Series Tri.
For those even younger, there are numerous Scootathlons at Human Race triathlons, with the swimming leg replaced with a 390m sprint on a scooter, meaning children can get involved, and remain occupied, on the day.
Also returning in 2014 is the Shock Absorber WomenOnly Triathlon. As part of the wider Human Race Women Only Series that includes a run, swim and the Women Only cycling series, Cycletta, the event offers the chance for ladies to compete in a friendly, fun and non-intimidating environment, all in support of Breast Cancer Care.
Later on in the season sees the Jubilee-inspired Diamond Tri on 7 September and the ‘festival of multisport’ HSBC Triathlon on 14 September, with a range of distances catering for all abilities and ages.
2014 will also see the return of the St Lucia Triathlon. Following on from last year’s successful inaugural event, which is supported by British Olympic Legend Daley Thompson, this is the ultimate end of season triathlon party. There are three distances to choose from; The Dagger, The Pistol and The Cutlass and with sea temperatures expected to be around 27°C participants are being told to leave their wetsuits at home!
All the Human Race triathlons take place at iconic venues and are well-marshalled so the safety of all participants is ensured. With shorter distances and novice waves, competitors of all abilities are catered for.
There will also be triathlon training days throughout the season with elite athletes, specialists and coaches of RG Active, who can offer training and race preparation tips to those preparing for their first triathlon or looking to improve their times in 2014.
Human Race 2014 triathlon calendar:
- BTF Sprint Championships – 17 May
- Eton Sprints – 17 May
- Garmin Eton Supersprint Sunday (Day 1) – 18 May
- Triathlon Training Day – 18 May
- Garmin Eton Supersprint Saturday (Day 2) – 24 May
- Shock Absorber Womenonly Training Day – 25 May
- British Triathlon Youth & Junior Super Series Tri – Date TBC
- Wiggle Tri Relays – 25 May
- Windsor Triathlon – 15 June
- Lidl Bananaman Triathlon – 5 July
- Supertri Children’s, Youth & Junior Triathlon – 6 July
- Jenson Button Trust Triathlon – 12 July
- Steelman Triathlon – 12 July
- Shock Absorber Womenonly Triathlon – 13 July
- Diamond Tri – 7 September
- HSBC Triathlon – 14 September
- St Lucia Triathlon – 22 November
