North East Triathlon launch first Women & Girls Try-a-Tri triathlon event in Durham
25 would-be triathletes from around the region took part in the first North East triathlon taster session specifically for females on Saturday at the Aykley Heads Sport Centre in Durham.
The Women & Girls were introduced to the multi-discipline nature of triathlon which consists of swimming, cycling and running over the course of a morning training session. The group were given the opportunity to try swimming and running sessions focusing on their technique and were then tested on their core stability in a strength & conditioning workout. The training sessions were coached by female coaches from three of the triathlon clubs in the North East; SunCity, Cleveland and Durham and were assisted by two new coaches from the British Triathlon Federation.
Amanda Cantle, the North East Regional Chairperson for Triathlon England and fellow coaches answered questions from the aspiring triathletes about training techniques and provided them with information about the exciting triathlon scene in the region and the busy series of races taking place over the summer.
The group came from far and wide to experience this new opportunity, one lady travelling all the way from Leeds. Organiser, Georgie Rutherford, North East Regional Development Manager said she was pleased to see such a wide range of ages training alongside each other, the youngest girl being 9 “It was great to see such a good turn out for our first regional Women & Girls taster session”.
“Triathlon is the fastest growing sport in the UK and it comes as no surprise as more and more people are finding that it has something for them due to its multi-discipline nature. The clubs and schools around the region are really starting to work together to encourage more women and young people to take part in club activities.”
Many had taken part in one of the three disciplines before but had never had the opportunity to experience triathlon in a friendly environment. One lady in particular overcame her lifelong fear of submerging her head under water thanks to this session and another participant commented that she was thrilled to have attended as receiving the strength and support from female triathlon coaches had boosted her confidence in her own abilities, realising triathlon could be a sport for her.
Judith Rasmussen, regional director with Sport England North East, said: “I am really pleased the first women and girls try-a-tri session went so well giving everyone the opportunity to get to know more about the sport of triathlon in a safe and supportive environment. More sessions are planned and I hope many of the participants will start to think about entering their first event, triathlons are fun and suitable for all ages and abilities with the real challenge being finishing the event and having fun at the same time"
Organised by North East Triathlon, and kindly supported by Sport England North East and Sainsbury’s in Darlington, participants were rewarded for their efforts with a goody bag full of healthy refreshments thanks to Sainsbury’s promotion of an active lifestyle.
For more information please contact Georgie Rutherford.