Hanningfield Reservoir in Essex, England, will host the fourth annual WaterAid Triathlon on Saturday 20 May 2017. The team behind the fund-raising triathlon notes that entries for the event are filling up fast.
Heidi Mottram OBE, Essex & Suffolk Water’s Chief Executive Officer, will be testing her athletic prowess by taking up the cycling challenge as part of a team in the WaterAid Triathlon along with Customer Director, Claire Sharp and Nigel Watson, Information Services Director.
“More than £9,000 was raised to support the charity, WaterAid, at last year’s triathlon and this has helped to bring clean drinking water, safe sanitation and hygiene education to people around the world,’’ she said.
Mottram visited Malawi during 2015 to see WaterAid’s work, and, reflecting on her time in Africa she said, “I visited Malawi with WaterAid, so I can tell you that this is an amazing charity, with great people who are making a difference to the lives of so many.
“It’s inspirational to see how something we take for granted, gives health and access to education – particularly for girls and women, who often collect the bulk of water travelling long distances to collect supplies, preventing them from attending school.
“A close source of fresh, safe drinking water can allow people to take control of their lives and make a better future for themselves and their families,’’ she added.
“If you love swimming, cycling and running – then this is a chance to take part in a triathlon somewhere a little bit special with excellent safety support and to raise funds for a worthwhile cause – sign-up today!”
Barbara Frost, WaterAid UK’s Chief Executive said, “How fantastic that Heidi, as CEO of Essex & Suffolk Water, is leading by example by taking part in the Hanningfield Triathlon to raise money for WaterAid. Her vitality and enthusiasm are inspiring! As Heidi saw for herself in Malawi, the positive changes that follow for communities with access to water and sanitation, are incredible. These basic resources can transform lives and for the first time, people can see a better future for themselves and for their children.
“WaterAid is delighted to have such incredible support from throughout the water industry, and I want to thank all of those who’re energetically taking the plunge in May.”
Event organiser and Essex & Suffolk Water’s Performance & Process Support Manager, Craig Holliday, is hoping for a big event this year. He said “It is a really great chance to bike and run in and test your all-round endurance and take on the challenge yourself or team up with your friends to form a relay team and compete together.’’
Holliday continued, “Last year’s event had the highest number of participants with more than 170 athletes taking part in the triathlon. It is exciting to know that we have such large numbers of people taking part, but it does mean you’ll need to sign-up fast for a space at the event.”
There are two distances to choose from:
- Sprint – 750m swim, 24km bike, 5km run – entry £40
- Standard– 1500m swim, 36km bike, 10km run – entry £60
- The relay will be priced at £25 per person
The cycling and running routes take in the scenic surroundings of the countryside around the Essex Wildlife Trust visitor centre and Essex & Suffolk Water’s Cafe on the Water. The swim is a ‘challenging open water course in the reservoir’ – the only time this is allowed due to safety considerations. Swimming in Hanningfield Reservoir can be dangerous and is not permitted, except under supervision at events such as the triathlon.
The Blackwater Tri Club, from Maldon, provided assistance with equipment and volunteers to marshal the course.
Steve Cottis, co-event organiser and an engineer at Essex & Suffolk Water said “It is a great course around Hanningfield Reservoir and we’re pleased to have the support of the Blackwater Tri Club members once again both volunteering and racing helping to make this a fun and safe triathlon.”
For more information about safety by reservoirs please visit Essex & Suffolk Water’s website: https://www.eswater.co.uk/your-home/learn-about-water/water-safety.aspx.
Even for strong swimmers reservoirs are a substantial risk due to the depth causing low temperature water and unseen under water structures presenting potential obstacles. Swimming should not be undertaken in a drinking water supply reservoir unless as part of a properly organised event.
www.wateraid.org/uk/get-involved/events/events/hanningfield-triathlon
