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 -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

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 Sardinia location
Let’s race… Challenge Forte Village Sardinia
Are calf sleeves actually worth it for triathletes? How many watts aero calf compression sleeves could save you
Laura Siddall Patagonman Xtreme Triathlon 2023
PremiumAre we in a triathlon boom, or hurtling towards burnout? Laura Siddall on the growth of the sport
Is sports nutrition bad for you? Ultra-processed foods are under siege, and athletes are caught in the cross fire – but should we be worried?
Challenge Barcelona 2023 - Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade
The ultimate city break triathlon race-cations: from Challenge Barcelona to Singapore T100 these are the best city centre races to combine multisport with sightseeing
latest News
Vasco Vilaca Crown Racing Supertri Toronto 2025
Supertri Jersey 2025: Date, start time and how to watch live as superstars relish return to spiritual home
Georgia Taylor Brown British Gravel Champs 2025 photo credit Red On Sports
Georgia Taylor-Brown heads to Supertri Jersey on back of SPECTACULAR gravel bike display
Ashleigh Gentle wins T100 French Riviera 2025
Spain T100 2025: Date, start time, how to watch live and who’s racing
Fred Funk race ranger red light
RaceRanger anti-drafting data to be published after all T100 races – with immediate effect
Kat Matthews wins IRONMAN 70.3 Zell am See 2025
Five new locations announced as 2026 IRONMAN Pro Series calendar unveiled
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

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...