DERRY City and Strabane District Council are offering local people the opportunity to prepare for a beginner level triathlon in just six weeks.
The Try a Tri programme is being offered at Templemore Sports Complex and Strabane’s Riversdale Leisure Centre and is aimed at people who have not previously taken part in a triathlon event.
Participants will have six weeks of preparatory training before the short distance triathlons that will feature ten lengths of the leisure centres’ pool (250m), a 10 mile cycle and a two mile run.
Following the success of last year’s womens’ Try a Tri event in Derry, the initiative has been extended to include Strabane and also male entrants.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Maolíosa McHugh, encouraged as many local people as possible to take up the challenge.
“I am delighted to see the extension of this initiative to everyone in the Council area over the age of 16 following the success of last year’s pilot scheme where 85 women took part,” he said.
“The Try a Tri scheme offers a unique opportunity to prepare and take part in a manageable length of triathlon under the watchful eye of Council’s EveryBody Active coaches.
“There has been a significant increase in the number of athletics events hosted locally and this event will allow a wider range of abilities and fitness levels to do their first triathlon.
“While some of those who take part may choose to enter a full triathlon in the future I hope all of them will gain something from the experience.”
The initiative is being hosted by Council and local triathletes through the EveryBody Active 2020 programme.
Sport Development Manager at Derry City and Strabane District Council Ryan Porter invited anyone interested in taking part to attend registration and information sessions in Derry on April 5th or in Strabane on May 2nd.
“The Try a Tri programme is open to any level of athlete and training will be tailored and personalised to suit all levels,” he said.
“Numbers are limited and we expect places to fill up quickly so I would encourage anyone interested to attend the registration event in Derry in April or in Strabane in May.”
Local triathlete and Try a Tri Coach Carmel Lynch added that entrants can prepare for the event at their own pace and at a time that suits them.
“At the first meeting we will have a bike session that will allow us to guage ability levels and organise athletes into smaller groups.
“If you have a busy schedule then you are not expected to attend all the training sessions and you can do your own training for the event at a time that suits you.
“The main emphasis of the programme is on participation and it can be a great way to socialise and get fitter in a relaxed and fun environment.”
The cost of taking part in Try a Tri is £40 which includes training and registration for the event, a race top and event insurance.
Registration for the Templemore Sports Complex event takes place at 6.30pm on Thursday April 5thwith training beginning on Sunday 15th April 2018 and a mandatory Bike Handling Session on Sunday 15th April.
The Strabane Registration is on Wednesday 2nd May at 6.30pm in the Riversdale Leisure Centre with training starting on Sunday 14th May 2018 and Bike Handling on Sunday May 20th.
A number of bikes are available to use for those who do not have access to one.
For further information visit www.derrystrabane.com/tryatri or contact Ryan Porter on 02871 253253 [email protected].
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