All 300 places for Keswick Mountain Festival’s Triathlon have been snapped up in record time.
The race organisers are astonished that the event – on Saturday 16 May 2009 – filled up within a week of entries opening on line.
And those who were hoping to bag a place on the reserve list will be disappointed to hear the waiting list for places is also full!
Rob Wilkins, Race Director of Keswick Mountain Festival Triathlon, said: “I organise six triathlons across Britain every year and co-ordinate the entries for many more and I have never seen on fill up this fast. It is remarkable to see both the 300 entries and the reserve list full when we are so far ahead of the event. We obviously have got something right.”
The generous competitors who have secured a place in the race have also taken up the option of making a contribution to the National Trust, which owns the land on which the race takes place. Rob added: “We’re grateful to the National Trust because without their co-operation we couldn’t hold the event in such a beautiful place. We’ve got competitors who love the lakes coming from as far away as Aberdeen and Exeter as well as a strong field of locals.”
Keswick Triathlon involves a 750m swim in Derwentwater, a 35km bike ride and a 10km run and those who have missed their chance to compete will not be disappointed to be a spectator.
Cheryl Frost, Keswick Mountain Festival Co-ordinator and ladies winner of last year’s triathlon, said: “The Keswick Tri is an amazing start to the season, it encourages you to get in the lake and swim early in the year. The bike route is fast and full of surprises – hills, spectacular views and gliding straights. The run is my personal favourite in the lakes as it’s a steady climb inspired by great scenery. The aim of the triathlon was to make it a distance that is accessible to anyone, there’s a great atmosphere, tonnes of support from the locals and incredible scenery.”
