Wardle Off Road Triathlon open for entries

11th May 2011

Over 200 competitors are expected to take part in the very first Wardle Off Road Triathlon being held on Saturday 6 August as part of the Rochdale Feel Good Festival.

Organised by Rochdale Triathlon Club in partnership with Link4Life, the event, now open for entries, will take place in the picturesque Pennine Moors around Wardle.

The event starts with a 160 metre swim in the indoor pool at Wardle High School.  The triathletes will then head out on a 20 km mountain bike ride, before finishing with an 8 km run along footpaths and tracks amongst stunning scenery. 

The Wardle Off Road Triathlon is suitable for both novices and serious athletes. With relatively short distances, most participants are expected to complete it in under three hours. There are a number of entry categories including a relay team and veterans.

Graham Hahn from the Rochdale Triathlon Club said the focus is on encouraging people of all ages and abilities to participate, have fun and just do their personal best:

“This is an exciting race and a slightly different twist on your usual sprint distance triathlon.  It will take in some breathtaking scenery along fabulous paths, tracks and bridleways, together with a lovely climb up to Hades Quarry where you are rewarded with fantastic views.  You could decide to share the effort by taking part as a relay team, where two or three people share each of the activities. This can be a great introduction to the sport, and a good way to share the excitement and fun."

Prizes will be awarded in the categories of Male, Female, Seniors, Veterans and Super Veterans, and for the first relay team, as well as novice category prizes for those just starting out in the sport.

Anyone looking to raise money for charity is always encouraged to do so, and competitors will be provided with a certificate upon completion of the event.

Link4Life, the boroughwide cultural trust are helping with the event, and are also working with the club to organise a junior event in Heywood in July too.  Craig McAteer, Managing Director of Link 4 Life said:

“This is the very first Wardle Off Road Triathlon, in an absolutely perfect location, on the edge of the Pennines.  Triathlon is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK and is in the Olympic programme for 2012 so we are delighted to be involved and we’re already seeing a lot of interest.”

Entrance is £25.50 for individuals, £37.50 for relay teams and the race is open to those aged 17+ on the day.

For more information and to enter online, visit www.rochdaletriclub.com  The closing date is 30 July.

The event is part of the Rochdale Feel Good Festival, which includes summer activities and entertainment across the borough culminating with free main attractions in Rochdale town centre on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 September.  The festival is organised by Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Town Centre Management in partnership with Link4Life and doyoufeelgood.org