Triathlon returns to Blenheim (From Witney Gazette)

Triathlon returns to Blenheim

2:20pm Thursday 7th February 2008 in Witney By Emma-Kate Lidbury

BLENHEIM Palace looks set to be transformed into an athlete's haven once again this year for the fourth Blenheim Triathlon.

The event, which involves swimming, cycling and running, is due to take place on Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8.

So far, a record 4,000 entries have been received, and anyone interested in taking part is urged to sign up soon as entries will close at the end of the month.

About 5,000 athletes are expected to take part, swimming across the palace lake, before cycling and running around the scenic grounds.

The race - the second largest event of its kind in the UK - draws huge numbers of first-time triathletes, eager to have a go at what is one of the fastest growing sports in the country.

For the second year running, the event will be sponsored by car manufacturers Mazda, and Channel Four will be televising a highlights programme of the race.

Race director Nick Rusling said: "After a hugely popular event in 2007, we will be having a kids' village, where children can take part in a kids' triathlon, as well as enjoy lots of other fun activities.

"We will again be hosting a varsity triathlon for athletes from Oxford and Cambridge universities, and alongside our male and female elite races, the event will also host the British Triathlon youth and junior elite races, which should provide some exciting insight into future 2012 Olympic hopefuls.

"We are pleased to be supporting Leukaemia Research as our official charity."

Competitors will be able to race over a variety of distances, including the sprint (750m swim, 20km cycle, 5km run) and supersprint (400m swim, 13km cycle, 2.5km run), as well as a team relay event.