Triathletes descend on Sefton for UK’s largest community triathlon

Hundreds of triathletes, whose age ranged from 7 to 74 years old, competed in this year's John Hulley Sefton Triathlon, an event sponsored by New Start.

More than 1000 people descend on Crosby waterfront on Saturday 25^th June, to take part in the 10^th annual community triathlon.  Some had travelled from as far as Southampton and London, with schools travelling from as far as Shropshire and Manchester to compete.

Participants happily stepped up to the challenge of the 150m swim, 5k bike ride and 2.5k run along the coastline near Crosby Leisure Centre for what is the UK’s largest community triathlon event.  The day began at 10am with the adult sections followed by the children with disabilities sections. The Intermediate, Junior and Mini-Tri sections started their races in the afternoon. The Mini-Tri, for 7 and 8 year olds, and Children with Disability completed the half distance race.

Over three thousand spectators were in full voice cheering the triathletes on around the course. Many raised money for the nominated charities and it is expected that over £50,000 will be raised. 

The event is named after John Hulley, who, along with two others, helped inspired Coubertin to create the International Olympic Committee in 1896. Hulley had created 7 Olympic games, the first in Liverpool, in 1862.

One school who competed for the first time was Royal College Seashell Trust in Cheadle, Cheshire. The school offers specialist provision for pupils and students from 2-19 years who have severe and complex learning disabilities and communication difficulties.

Maureen Wilkins, a teacher at the school, said “We had three triathletes participate. Ainsley Cooper and James Beresford completed in the full event and David Blakow in the disability category.

“Ainsley, James and David have severe learning and communication difficulties and we knew this was to be a huge challenge for them; but we need not have worried as the event was organised so well the support from the Marshall's was second to none.

“Ainsley, James and David had a fantastic day and David received an extra award for best newcomer. Their parents are so overwhelmed that the students exceeded above and beyond their and our expectations.  I would like to thank everyone involved in making this a great success for team Gladiator. Next year were hoping to bring more athletes to compete.”

Robin Baynes, Chairman of New Start and founder of Liverpool Heartbeat charity, said “It is a great event to be involved in. The joy is bringing all members of the community together to participate in the same race; you can see the sense of achievement in the faces of the adults as much as it is in the face of the children.”

“The distances are ideal for children and adults new to triathlons or people wanting to compete as a family. We have thoroughly enjoyed being involved in this tremendous event and we will definitely be supporting it next year.  We would like to congratulate the organisers, volunteers, participants and the spectators for making it a truly remarkable day.”