Search
shop

Priest takes on EPIC triathlon challenge to raise money for his church

Former Southampton FC Chaplain Andy Bowerman has never competed in a triathlon before
Last updated -

A priest from Bradford, England is flying to Abu Dhabi this week to take part in his first ever triathlon to raise funds for the city’s Cathedral. And he will definitely be going through the pain barrier.

The Very Reverend Andy Bowerman will compete in the 15th edition of the TriYAS Triathlon at the Yas Marina circuit on Saturday (February 8).

Bowerman, the Dean of Bradford, had knee replacement surgery in 2018 but he is taking on the challenge of the day-to-night event, which involves a 1.5km swim, 40km cycle and 10km run.

Advertisement

From parkrun to gruelling triathlon

Bowerman told the Bradford Telegraph and Argus: “I’ve not run since I had a knee replacement and my busy schedule as Dean has kept me away from the training track. But I’ve been busy preparing for the triathlon over the last few months, including running a weekly parkrun at Lister Park.

“The TriYAS 2025 triathlon will be a big challenge, but I’m looking forward to it, and I will be greatly spurred on by your support. All the money raised will help support the amazing work of Bradford Cathedral in this exciting City of Culture year – and beyond.”

Abu Dhabi 2023 men bike leg track palm trees photo credit Tommy Zaferes World Triathlon
[Photo credit: Tommy Zaferes / World Triathlon]

Dean Andy, who was club Chaplain at Premier League football team Southampton for 11 seasons, spent four years in Dubai working with the Mission to Seafarers before returning to Bradford in 2022.

Raising much-needed cash

Liz Purchase, Head of Fundraising at Bradford Cathedral, says: “Bradford Cathedral is at the heart of the city’s fascinating history and its people; it is a place of inspiration and peace, and an important asset for Bradford, but it costs over £2,850 a day to run.

“As well as conserving our beautiful building, we want to continue our amazing education and music work supporting children and young people from across the city, and welcome visitors from across the world.

“Our ‘Dean Andy Dares!’ campaign is a fantastic opportunity for people to support and help ensure the Cathedral, Bradford’s oldest buildings, has a future.”

Paul Brown
Written by
Paul Brown
Discover more
Challenge Family Kaiserwinkle-Walchsee triathlon bike
The ultimate triathlon bike courses to ride before you die
TRI247 Wahoo KICKR RUN treadmill review
Wahoo KICKR RUN treadmill review – can Wahoo do for treadmill running what they did for indoor cycling?
Challenge Cesenatico 2024 debut - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
5 ways to improve your FTP – Expert tips to level up your cycling
Challenge The Championship Marjolaine Pieree
How to qualify for Challenge The Championship – and why it should be on your triathlon bucket list
sumarpo triathlon swimming wetsuit
Wetsuit buying guide – How to choose the best wetsuit for triathlon, open water swimming, SwimRun and cold water
latest News
Germany clean sweep WTCS women Abu Dhabi Lisa Tertsch Nine Eim Laura Lindemann photo credit Tommy Zaferes World Triathlon
Tertsch leads the way as Germany’s women rewrite record books at WTCS Abu Dhabi
Tamara Jewett wins Oceanside 2023 Tamara Jewett wins Oceanside 2023
Uber-runner Tamara Jewett excited “to try out this full distance Ironman thing”
Germany mixed team relay wtcs abu dhabi 2025 Selina Klamt Jan Dienar Tanja Neubert Henry Graf photo credit World Triathlon
WTCS Abu Dhabi results 2025: Germany go from last to first in crash-hit, drama-packed Mixed Team Relay
Hayden Wilde Alex Yee Olympic Games Triathlon Paris 2024
Hayden Wilde ends Abu Dhabi jinx – and says he’s “rooting” for great rival Alex Yee at London Marathon
Hayden Wilde wins WTCS Abu Dhabi 2025 photo credit World Triathlon
WTCS Abu Dhabi men’s results 2025: Hayden Wilde starts year in style with thrilling win
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...