The people of Leeds are being encouraged to ‘Tri Something New’ during the Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds event, and take part in a fun GO TRI event on 11 June.
The GO TRI festival is positioned as a last opportunity for those who want to take part in one of the biggest sporting events in the UK this year, as all 5,800 race slots for the main Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds have now officially sold out.
There are a limited number of places left to enjoy the GO TRI experience, so the organisers are encouraging individuals to sign up now to avoid disappointment. Entry is just £10 and participants can register for GO TRI Leeds at leeds.triathlon.org. Entries close on Friday 27 May 2016.
GO TRI is positioned as a great opportunity for local people of all abilities to get a taste of triathlon in Roundhay Park, Leeds, and will consist of a fun, mini-triathlon course with a 200m swim, 10km cycle and 2.5km run. There is also the option to take part in a land based duathlon – 10km cycle and 2.5km run, or an aquathlon – 200m swim and 2.5km run.
To help existing and potential GO TRI participants prepare for the event, organisers have announced dates and locations of training activities across the city.
These beginner friendly sessions include:
GO TRI taster events – There will be four mini GO TRI events offering participants the chance to have a go before the real thing on 11 June. These practice events are seen as ideal for those who want to get a taste of putting all three elements together or trying out their new goggles. Hosted on:
· 28 May at Middleton Leisure Centre
· 30 May at Armley Leisure Centre
· 2 June at Fearnville Leisure Centre
· 5 June at Leeds Beckett University
Open water swimming sessions – Hosted at Roundhay Park these free open water swimming sessions are aimed at absolute beginners. Participants will be able to learn how to enter and exit the water, become accustomed to cool temperatures, and even try a wetsuit on, all with safety support and friendly instructors to give help along the way. Hosted on:
· 26 May at 19:00 GMT
· 29 May at 09:30
· 4 June at 09:30
All sessions are free of charge. For more information on the training on offer and to sign-up to take part in any of the activities individuals can visit: leeds.gov.uk/triathlon.
The GO TRI event is part of British Triathlon and Leeds City Council’s wider ‘Tri Something New’ programme, delivering a legacy for triathlon within the city, encouraging people in Leeds to get active in 2016.
Jack Buckner, Chief Executive of British Triathlon, said “The GO TRI event is a really exciting opportunity for the local community to ‘Tri Something New’, get active, and become a part of what will be an unforgettable event for Leeds. The GO TRI swim, cycle and run sessions will certainly help to maximise excitement and the legacy for the Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds.”
Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Judith Blake said “It is fantastic news that the mass-participation elements on the Sunday of the Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds are completely sold out. Seeing nearly 6,000 triathletes take to the course on the same day will be great to see and experience and it is a measure of the interest in the event from across the world that all the places have gone.
“The GO TRI taster events on the Saturday are also selling out fast, so if anyone fancies having their first go at triathlon sign up now or attend one of the pre-event training sessions to be part of what is shaping up to be another amazing weekend for Leeds.”
The much-anticipated Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds, which is part of UK Sport’s National Lottery-funded #EveryRoadtoRio event series, will provide the British public with the opportunity to watch GB triathletes Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee, as well as Non Stanford and Vicky Holland, battle for glory on home soil ahead of Rio against some of the world’s best triathletes.
The Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds is organised by British Triathlon in partnership with Leeds City Council.
