Multi-sport challenge set to attract novices

A new multi-sport challenge is coming to Hadleigh and Sudbury on Sunday with the launch of Triathlon England’s short-distance events.

The GO TRI 1,000 triathlon events, which are taking place across the country over this weekend, are manageable distances, starting with a 100m swim, a 2.5k bike rise and a 1k run.

The weekend is also a chance for participants to be introduced to duathlons, which involve a run and cycle, and aquathlons, which involve a swim and run.

At Kingfisher Leisure Centre in Sudbury, a duathlon starts at 9am, with participants tackling a 2km run, 6km cycle and then a further 1km run.

At Hadleigh Pool and Leisure, a duathlon, involving a 5km run and a 5km cycle, is set to take place at 10am.

Rob Bishop, Triathlon England’s GO TRI events manager, said the event has had “fantastic” support so far with a flood of entries.

“The event will see a huge influx of people entering our sport at the same time, so, with a few days to go, it’s not too late for wannabe triathletes to be part of this exciting weekend,” he said.

With close to 40 novice events taking place all across England, around 1,000 new triathletes are expected to be inspired to take up the multi-sport challenge.

As an added incentive and to help the participants begin their fitness journey, there will be a £1,000 prize fund up for grabs.

Four winners will be chosen to receive a £250 voucher to spend on triathlon kit and equipment.

Entrants can secure last-minute places for the event and enter the competition by signing up online at the website www.gotri.org.