Triathlon Novices Invited To Introduction Training Days Jenson Button Trust Triathlon

 Jenson Button Trust Triathlon Photograph

Derby – 12th July 2015

Budding triathletes who are gearing up to take part one of Derby’s most high profile sporting events this summer are being invited to a series of training days to prepare for the big day.

Hundreds of people are expected to take part in the Jenson Button Trust Triathlon which will be held for the first time in Derby on Sunday July 12.

Novice and amateur sports people will compete alongside professional triathletes and Jenson Button himself in the event which will be based at Markeaton Park.

An introduction to triathlon session will be held on Wednesday June 3 between 7pm and 9pm at the University of Derby where triathlon experts will talk through the event and answer participants’ questions.

This will be followed by a practical training session at the University and nearby Markeaton Park on Sunday June 21 between 10am and 12pm.

Competitors will be invited to bring their bikes and will practice the transitions between the swimming, cycling and running stages of the triathlon.

Future training days are also being planned for competitors to practice the swimming stages in Markeaton Lake.

The Jenson Button Trust Triathlon on July 12 will include a preliminary heat consisting of a 200m lake swim, 10km cycle and a 2.5km run.

The top performers will go on to the final – competing in a 400m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run.

There is also a team challenge, sponsored by Midlands business advisors and accountants Smith Cooper.  Teams of three people (either all male, all female or mixed) will each tackle one of the triathlon stages and also have the chance to race twice during the day.

Dean Jackson from event organisers, Derby-based HUUB Events, explained: “The F1 format of the event is perfect for newcomers to the growing sport of Triathlon.

“The workshops will help novice triathletes prepare for the event, know more about what to expect on the day and practice the transitions with support from seasoned triathletes.”

The move has been welcomed by novice triathlete Adam Chamberlin - a Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Crew Manager - who is hoping for pole position when he puts his fitness to the test at the event.

Mr Chamberlin (37) works in the Fire and Rescue Service’s control room, in Littleover, and is also completing a degree at the University of Derby in Outdoor Recreation and Adventure Tourism.

He said: “I saw the event on the television a couple of years ago and said at the time that I’d love to do a triathlon so I was straight on the website when I heard that the Jenson Button Trust Triathlon was coming to Derby.

“I'm a huge F1 fan and particularly of Jenson Button so the chance to compete in the same event as him was too good an opportunity to miss.

“And the fact that the distances are quite short, with the opportunity to compete twice, is really appealing to someone who has never done a triathlon before.

“I am most nervous about the transitions between the different stages so the training workshops are a great idea for novices like myself so that we all know better what to expect and to get some tips from the experts.”

Although this will be Adam’s first triathlon, he is a keen runner, regularly cycling the 26-mile round trip to work from his home in Beeston, Nottingham, and was a competitive swimmer as a youngster.

He continued: “I havn’t got that much time to do specific training for the event as I am currently finishing my degree dissertation.  However, as soon as that is submitted I’ll be trying to get out on the bike more to ensure I’m fully fit.

“The event will be about more than just the sport though.

“A close family member has recently been diagnosed with colon cancer so I will be working hard to raise money for Cancer Research through sponsorship from all my family, friends and work colleagues.

“I also have two young daughters and am really looking forward to the fact it’s geared up for families as I know they’ll be there to cheer me across the finish line.”

The Jenson Button Trust Triathlon is an F1 format and the event village at Markeaton Park will host a post-race party, live music and prizes to be presented by Jenson Button.

For the second year running the Trust has partnered with Cancer Research UK with all profits and fundraising from the event going towards beating all forms of cancer sooner.

The prize fund available to competitors is one of the largest for a UK based sprint triathlon. A grand total of £7000 will be on offer, split between the male and female categories.

Places at the training workshops are limited so please book your place now by emailing rory@huubevents.com.

Spaces are still available for individual and teams. To register for the Jenson Button Trust Triathlon and for online training tips please visit www.jensonbuttontri.com and follow Twitter @JBTrustTri .

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