PHOTOS:
Damian Capps taking part in the 2014 Haverfordwest Go Tri
Carl Davies, Damian Capps and Catherine Marks in Go Tri’s St Davids duathlon in 2014
It’s attracted more than a thousand entries over five years and provided the launching pad for many an Ironman competitor.
Go Tri – an annual series of mini triathlons held across Pembrokeshire – is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year.
And to celebrate, it’s adding a mini taster triathlon and extended duathlon to its 2015 calendar of events.
Go Tri, which is aimed at all abilities from beginners to experienced athletes, is run by Pembrokeshire Leisure – the leisure services arm of Pembrokeshire County Council.
Organiser Jayne’s delighted
Although it started modestly – with a one-off novice triathlon in Fishguard in 2010 – organiser Jayne Richards said she was confident the idea would be a success.
“My sport is triathlon and I was the age group national champion when I raced,” said Jayne, a leisure officer based at Fishguard Leisure Centre and former police officer.
“With my background, my manager Darren Bowen encouraged me to take charge of the first one and it was very successful, with over 60 entries. We then wanted to roll it out across the County and make it more accessible to more people.”
County wide events
Since then, a series of triathlons has been organised across the County annually, with the support of local triathlon clubs.
The events – in Milford Haven, Haverfordwest, Crymych and Fishguard - include a 400m pool swim, a 12.5-mile cycle ride and a three-mile run. An extra event - a duathlon - is also held in St Davids and a children’s Go Tri was introduced last year.
Last year’s series, which was sponsored by Princes Gate Spring Water, received more than 300 entries - a third of which were from novices.
Jayne said Go Tri is popular because it is challenging but achievable, with entrants taking on as many events as they want.
“There’s plenty of variety - if you’re not in the mood for a bike ride or it’s pouring down, you can go for a swim,” she said.
“Everybody says our events are friendly and encouraging - especially for novices. One woman even travels from Bridgend to enter them!”
Great support
The series is supported by Go Tri fitness sessions at Pembrokeshire’s leisure centres and has led to a surge of interest in spinning, adult swimming lessons, and other triathlon-related fitness.
It’s also been awarded an Inspire Mark – a badge of quality that recognises innovative projects inspired by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
And it’s encouraged many people to consider entering Ironman – the ultimate triathlon.
New challenge sought
Catherine Marks of St Davids took part in the first Go Tri in 2010 after looking for a new challenge.
“I hadn't swum for years and had done very little cycling, although I used to enter running races. I was very nervous but after completing it I was hooked,” she said.
“In 2011 I saw a Go Tri class advertised in the Leisure Centre and so went along to that. I met lots of lovely people and then took part in the series that year.
“After completing the last triathlon of the series, people were talking about Ironman Wales and I thought "those people are crazy" and "I could never do that". A week later I decided to enter! In 2012 I completed the Long Course weekend and Ironman Wales.”
Catherine, aged 32, added: “Doing Go Tri was the perfect starting point to give me the confidence and enthusiasm to enter the more daunting events. It doesn’t matter what level of fitness a person has, the Go Tri events are for everyone.”
Damien’s doing so well
Damian Capps, who lives in Newport, started triathlon classes at Fishguard Leisure Centre after recuperating from knee surgery.
"I managed to get my fitness to a level I hadn't been at for 20 years. I was then encouraged by our coach Jayne to enter the Go Tri series in 2014,” said Damian, aged 45.
“I found the whole experience very rewarding. Now hooked, I've signed up for the Ironman in Tenby this year...now that's terrifying!"
Cllr Elwyn says thanks
Cllr Elwyn Morse, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Leisure, said Go Tri had inspired many people to improve their fitness, and supports Pembrokeshire Leisure with its aim to make ‘more people, more active, more often’.
“I’d like to thank the organisers of the events and all those who support them – including the volunteers from local sports clubs who kindly act as marshalls along the routes,” he added.
For full information on Go Tri, including how to enter the events, go online at Pembrokeshire County Council’s website: www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk and search for Go Tri.