IMG Worldwide, organiser of the London Triathlon, has announced that general entries for the 20th edition of the event, which takes place on 6-7 August next year, are now on sale. Keen triathletes are encouraged to sign up fast, as thousands of places have already been snapped up during a priority booking window.
Aiming to inspire everyone from elites to first timers, from across the globe, the event appeals to a wide range of competitors, playing host to scores of charity fundraisers and celebrity participants every year. Attracting entrants from 18 through to 80, 13,000 participants descend on the UK capital every year to take on the unique triathlon challenge.
IMG notes that the event is one of the high points in the triathlon calendar and now the capital’s only major triathlon in 2016 (with the move of the ITU World Triathlon Hyde Park event to Leeds, Yorkshire), more than 35% of participants return to compete year after year.
The event’s challenging course, iconic location, and supportive atmosphere make for an ‘unforgettable experience’, with more than 30,000 spectators cheering participants on, over the course of the weekend.
The event prides itself on offering race distances and wave types to suit all levels of triathlete. First timers have the opportunity to dip their toes into the world of multisport by taking on a Super-Sprint distance or by taking part in a team relay, where groups of three can opt to tackle one discipline each.
The next step up is a distance popular with both first-timers and seasoned triathletes – the Sprint provides a challenging yet achievable triathlon target, featuring a 750m swim, 20K bike and 5K run.
For those taking on the challenge of the longer distance races of Olympic and Olympic Plus (a race type unique to the London Triathlon) on Sunday, triathletes will now be given the choice of taking the iconic Westminster bike route or one closer to the Docklands.
IMG adds that the Westminster route follows a spectacular course, with stunning views of London’s landmarks and the River Thames, allowing cyclists to look up and check their race time as they turn at Big Ben.
