Search
shop

Racing is back on Saturday… inspired by Neil Diamond!

How the legendary Neil Diamond has provided the rather clever inspiration for the first British Triathlon permitted event to return following the COVID-19 pandemic
Chief Correspondent
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Now this is a clever name for an event!

It makes a change to be talking about a race that is actually happening. This Saturday. In England.

As you’ll have seen recently (HERE), British Triathlon has published its Return to Play guidance, which gives the opportunity for multisport events to restart in England, within a ‘Covid-19 Secure’ manner.

The first opportunity for permitted events to take place is this coming Saturday, 25th July, and the first event to have completed the required permitting and got the go ahead is from Active Training World (www.activetrainingworld.co.uk).

A 750m (open water) swim, 5km run, the Non Sweet Caroline Aquathlon will take place within the grounds of Merchant Taylors’ School, Northwood, Middlesex. And the name?, Well, if you are familiar with the song – and if you are not, where have you been?! – means that in this instance, it is a case of…

NO touching hands, NO reaching out, NO touching me, NO touching you!

The event has generated plenty of interest – it’s sold out already – and is due to have several high profile names racing, including multiple Paratriathlon World Champion Lauren Steadman, Long Distance Pro Reece Barclay, and twice European Elite Aquathlon Champion, Hannah Kitchen.

One of the most played songs ever at major sporting events, this Neil Diamond track is practically the anthem of sports such as Boxing, typically sending the crowd into full hype mode immediately prior to the biggest fight of the night.

Fingers crossed there’s no fighting at the Aquathlon… but hopefully they will manage to play the song immediately prior to the first starter, to get the athletes similarly pumped and ready for action!

John Levison
Written by
John Levison
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.
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
Hayden Wilde bike Dubai T100 2025
“A lot of emotions, but mostly frustration” – runaway T100 leader Hayden Wilde on Dubai debacle
Spencer Matthews IRONMAN Arizona finish 2025
Spencer Matthews on the ‘spiritual guide’ helping him deal with the dark moments on PROJECT SE7EN
Marten Van Riel bike Dubai T100 2025
‘Honesty, emotion and accountability’: Marten Van Riel speaks out again over Dubai T100 chaos
Georgia Taylor-Brown admits she gets a little bored in the T100 bike section.
Why Olympic legend Georgia Taylor-Brown keeps coming back for more at T100 despite it being “too long”
Patrick Lange finish line emotion IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2024 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
Three-time IRONMAN World Champ Patrick Lange rules himself out of Cozumel trip
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
247 Endurance

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...