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The Guernsey Triathlon Club (GTC) is calling for islanders and teams to take part in its annual novice triathlon which takes place on Sunday 18 May.
A key fixture in the club’s calendar for some 26 years, the novice triathlon – sponsored by the Ana Leaf Foundation – is specifically designed for individuals with less than two years’ triathlon experience and is regarded as an excellent gateway into the competitive sport for those looking to take it up more seriously.
The challenge involves a 400 metre swim in the pool (16 lengths), an eight mile cycle and a two mile run. For those wishing to share the event with colleagues, friends or family there is a team relay event where the three disciplines can be split between each team member.
A juniors race for 8-13 year olds will also be held after the adult event at approximately 10am.
Mark Naftel, president of Guernsey Triathlon Club, said that he had already received a great deal of interest in this novice event and if anyone is still interested they should register soon to ensure that they secure a place and allow time for adequate training.
‘More than half the event’s 60 adult places have already been allocated, which is great news.
‘Last year’s novice was a huge success with 53 finishers and we’re expecting a great event this year. We’re particularly hoping to see some strong team entries from businesses and schools. It’s a great way to play to individual strengths by splitting out the three disciplines accordingly among a three-man team. If you think you’ve got what it takes to claim the trophy from last years winners, Grammar Boyz, we encourage you to get an entry in soon,’ said Mr Naftel.
This year the club’s first ever para-triathlete, Sarah Whitchurch, is among the entries. She has successfully competed in each of the club’s duathlon events of this season and will be assisted by club representatives and helpers to accommodate her needs at the novice event.
“I had meningitis when I was 11 which left me having to use a wheelchair to get around. At 13 I took up swimming, but gave up after a few years. After watching the Paralympics in 2012 I got back into sport, initially with swimming. I then completed a couple of half marathons, then duathlons, and now want to do some triathlons so signed up for the novice triathlon to start me off. Instead of a swim, cycle, run format, I'll be swimming, using a hand cycle, then using a race chair,” said Miss Whitchurch.
The Guernsey Triathlon Club has also partnered with Guernsey Sports Commision’s ‘Get Active Fortnight’ which runs from 31 May to 15 June and is hoping to encourage those who take part in this novice event to consider its Pleinmont Triathlon on 1 June, with free entry provided to novice triathlon participants.
‘The novice is a relaxed, informal event and we want everyone to have a good time. It is always a bonus, though, when we see it converting people to the sport and competing in our future events,’ said Mr Naftel.
The price to enter a relay team is £20, the adults novice race is £15 and the juniors’ race is free of charge.
Entries can be made online via a link from the Guernsey Triathlon website, at www.entrycentral.com/index.php?raceID=101014 or by contacting Simon March at simon.march@yahoo.co.uk for more details.
For further information on the Ana Leaf Foundation Novice and other upcoming GTC events, as well as a helpful training plan, visit www.guernseytriathlon.com.
