Triathlon returns to Blenheim (From Witney Gazette)

Triathlon returns to Blenheim

8:42am Saturday 17th February 2007 in Witney By Emma-Kate Lidbury

BLENHEIM Palace looks set to become a triathlon haven once again this summer as the Blenheim Triathlon makes its return.

For the past two years, the event - the second largest race of its kind in the UK - has seen hundreds of athletes from across the country heading for the palace in Woodstock, to swim across the lake, before cycling and running around the grounds. Last year, Channel Four televised the event, and the same deal is in place for 2007.

Plans for this year's race, to be held on Saturday, June 2, and Sunday, June 3, are already taking shape, with more than 4,000 people expected to take part.

Organisers say they are excited about the number of entrants this year's race could attract. Last year, almost half of all participants were first-timers.

Organisers are also hoping to join in Oxford Inspires' Oxfordshire 2007 millennium celebrations by aiming to attract 1,000 entrants from Oxfordshire.

Nick Rusling, event director, said: "With this year marking the 1,000th anniversary of Oxfordshire, we are calling on 1,000 Oxfordshire triathletes to swim, cycle, and run in celebration, and join the 4,000-strong field of athletes of all abilities that we are expecting."

There are a variety of distances open to competitors, including the supersprint (400m swim, 10km bike, 2.5km run), the sprint (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run), and a relay event.

There will also be a men's and women's elite race and a varsity race.

Despite terrible weather, last year's event built on the success of the inaugural race, and saw about 10,000 spectators pack into the palace grounds to cheer on friends and relatives taking part. * For more information about the event or to enter, visit the website www.theblenheimtriathlon.com or call 0207 559 2939.