In an important Olympic sporting year for Northern Ireland, a new triathlon has been launched that will see 300 competitors swim, cycle and run their way around Belfast on July 1.
The INTERSPORT Belfast Titanic Triathlon will take place in the heart of the city and, with two different race distances catering for varying levels of fitness, is hoping to attract both novices and experienced athletes.
Organised by a number of Belfast triathlon and running clubs, the event is part of the Titanic Belfast Festival and was developed due to the surge in popularity of this fast growing sport.
The Triathlon Ireland sanctioned event takes place in sheltered open water within Belfast Harbour, on a flat and very fast cycle route and finishes with a multi-lap run along some of Belfast’s major city centre thoroughfares.
Belfast City Council is hoping to grow the race to become a permanent fixture on the city’s sporting calendar.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile, says: “It is fantastic to see a new sporting event on the calendar in a momentous year for both Belfast and Northern Ireland.
“The INTERSPORT Belfast Titanic Triathlon will give people a chance to experience sport in the heart of the city, and with many competitors coming from outside of Northern Ireland it will showcase our historic city and all it has to offer.”
Race organiser Stuart Kennedy adds: “Triathlon is a core Olympic sport that will feature prominently in London this summer, hopefully with two of our local elite athletes competing. As one of the fastest growing sports in the UK and Ireland, we wanted to give everyone in Belfast and beyond the opportunity to get involved in an event in the heart of the city.
“Sports tourism has also grown rapidly in recent years, with people travelling to participate in city centre events, so this will hopefully provide another great reason for visitors to experience Northern Ireland in 2012.”
Tom Foley, general manager of title sponsor INTERSPORT, says: “We recognise the growing popularity of triathlon and are delighted to be supporting the INTERSPORT Belfast Titanic Triathlon.
“We’re hoping to encourage people of all abilities to come from near and far to take part in what will be a historic sporting event and a new highlight on Northern Ireland’s sporting calendar. It is an ideal opportunity to bring sport to the people.”
The event is supported by Belfast City Council and SportNI.
In addition to INTERSPORT, the event has received support from major local retailers SS Moore and McConvey Cycles, as well as training provider Springvale Learning and international swimwear brand Aqua Sphere.
For more information about the race and to register for the event visit: www.belfasttitanictriathlon.com
