TRIATHLON: HUNDREDS of athletes are expected to take on Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council's triathlon on Sunday.
The event has become one of the biggest events in the triathlon calendar, something recognised by the British Triathlon Association last year when it incorporated its national sprint.
Some of the sport's leading exponents will be demonstrating their swimming, cycling and running skills at Snow Hill Swimming Pool, Barony Park, and the surrounding countryside.
Although this event traditionally attracts many athletes and teams from this country, entries have this year been received from Germany, Belgium and Hawaii!
The first Nantwich triathlon was held in July 1999, with 440 competitors aged from 14 to 72. One of the main attractions has been the Novice category, which sees competitors getting to grips with a 200m swim, 20k bike ride and a 2.5k run.
Other categories are the sprint, elite and relay with the distances in those sections rising to include a 750m swim, 20k bike ride and a 5k run.
The elite section carries a prize fund of £1,000. For the past two years it has been won by Andy Tarry of Tfn. His winning time last year was 56 mins 12 secs.
In July 2000, the event doubled up as the BTA's North West Sprint competition, raising its profile locally and nationally.
As in previous years a lot of the triathletes are competing to raise money for charities of their choice and the pre and post-race massage marquee will be donating all proceeds to Wynbunbury Delves Junior School.
For the past two years the Nantwich event has attracted 850 competitors and that figure is set to top 1,000 this year.
Racing starts at 8am, there will be free parking available and a range of refreshments will be available. The outdoor pool will be closed for public swimming on Sunday.
