By Berit Sund
Palace Mag Feb 07
Whether you are looking for an entirely new sporting challenge, or thinking of getting back into training after a long break, have you ever thought of giving triathlon a try?
Crystal Palace Triathletes (CPT) have been an important part of the sports and social scene around Crystal Palace for nearly 15 years, and have become ‘home’ to over 130 triathletes since its first training sessions took place back in 1983.
John Petrides, Chairman of Crystal Palace Triathletes, commented:
“Triathlon is the fastest growing sport in the UK. It is not only for the competitors taking part but also for mums and dads, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters. It’s for anyone and everyone. In 2005 we started the Crystal Palace Triathlon and we had aroundx 330 entries, which far exceeded our expectations, especially as this was our first event. But with the help from volunteers within the club, their families and the Crystal Palace Sports Centre it was a success.
In 2007 we expect to have over 500 competitors with 2,000-3,000 spectators. Our objective is to provide a triathlon which everyone will enjoy, and remember for a long time.”
If you think that triathlon may be a lonely pursuit, or maybe you’re worried it will mean too many hours away from home, you can do like Lauren Whitmore and persuade your family to come along too! Lauren joined the club in 2006 with her father Haydn and boyfriend Rob, and they train and compete together in races across the UK. All that remains is to persuade Mum to come along too!
Lauren commented: “I was nervous about joining a new club on my own so I enlisted some support! I needn’t have worried, everyone has been really welcoming and we enjoy training and socialising with the rest of the club.” One of the club’s recent, proud achievements is the Crystal Palace Triathlon. With the determination and hard work of our many club members, the event returned to Crystal Palace in 2005 where enthusiastic crowds cheered on hundreds of triathletes as they took on the challenge of completing the 750metre swim, 20k cycle ride and 5k run.
If you would like a fun and friendly race to train towards and keep your motivation up, this is definitely one to consider. The event is aimed at all abilities and levels of fitness; it is a great race for those looking to enter their first triathlon and the course is sufficiently varied to provide a challenge for the more experienced triathlete. Competitors have commented on the excellent support and unparalleled skills of the marshals – many of whom are experienced triathletes themselves. One enthusiastic race competitor said: “My first Triathlon could not have been a better one – I had an awesome time. Friendly marshals and helpers; great course and brilliant support. I will definitely be back next year!”
CPT Committee member Berit Sund said: “People are always commenting on the great team spirit of the club, and most of us end up socialising outside the club as well as training together. We are very proud of the way the club has grown and become an important part of the UK triathlon scene. The success of the Crystal Palace Triathlon also is testament to the quality of all our members, who are always keen to look at new sporting events. There are even plans afoot to celebrate our upcoming 15-year anniversary with an Arch to Arc relay triathlon - yes, that’s London to Paris, via a cheeky Channel swim!”
So, if you are still keen on keeping up those New Year promises, or even making entirely new ones (hey, it’s never too late!), come along to one of the weekly training sessions, all supervised by our excellent coaches, Jon, Phil and Carl. The first session is free for non-members. If you would like to know more about Crystal Palace Triathletes and what we get up to, plus details of the Crystal Palace Triathlon 2007, please visit us online at www.crystalpalace-tri.co.uk or call our friendly club secretary Phil, on 020 8659 8091.
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