Two new distances on offer in unique Centurion Triathlon next year
An innovative but gruelling triathlon event is being launched today to help athletes step up to longer distances.
The Centurion Triathlon, offering a choice of 100-mile and 100-km races, will be staged in Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire and themed on the county’s extensive Roman history.
The aim of the event, on 24 June 2018, is to give athletes a taste of longer distances without having to enter a full long distance triathlon.
If their 2018 racing and training schedules allow, then local pros Lucy Charles and Reece Barclay could be among the starters.
“Hertfordshire doesn’t have a long-distance tri and the Centurion will help people make the leap from standard to middle distance or middle to long distance,” says James Shipley of organisers ActiveTrainingWorld (ATW).
“There’s been quite a demand for a longer-distance race locally. People will be able to tackle the event as a training opportunity or a race in its own right.”
Athletes entering the 100-mile option will swim 1.25 miles, cycle 84 miles and run 14.75 miles.
Those in the 100k race will swim 2k – the same distance – cycle 80k and run 18k.
The bike courses, designed by Jez Cox, former GB number one duathlete and current GB duathlon team manager, will share start and finish routes with four and two-lap loops between.
The run course will be on road and track and follows part of ATW’s Welwyn Half Marathon route.
Race HQ will be at scenic Stanborough Lakes, a popular open water swimming venue close to the A1 and M1.
Nearby are the ancient Roman baths in Welwyn village, the remains of the Roman City Verulamium and Wheathampstead, where Queen Boudica is thought to have launched her final and failed attempt to oust the occupiers from south-east England.
“It’s a unique opportunity for athletes thinking of going longer to bridge the gap between the conventional distances.”
Triathlon’s mid-season report card: Tim Don on who’s raising the bar this triathlon race season
