The Chichester Triathlon is back, and this year it promises to be bigger and better than ever before

The Triathlon, which is sponsored by Natures Way Foods, has attracted competitors from all over the world since we introduced it in 2007. This year, we have decided to split the event over two days, due to its popularity.

The Junior Aquathon, also sponsored by Natures Way Foods, is for competitors between eight and 16 and will take place on Saturday 17 July.  The first wave of competitors will set off at 1pm. This will start with a swimming race at Chichester Westgate Leisure, followed by a race around Chichester College’s campus. There is room for around 250 entries.

The distance set for junior competitors will be dependent upon their age. Distances for the swim start from 66m (two lengths) for eight year olds, up to 400m (12 lengths) for 16 year olds. This is followed by a run of between 600m and 3km, depending on age.

The main Triathlon event will be held the following day. This will be joined by a new event, ‘Try a Tri’, which is designed for competitors who were prefer a sprint distance. This is a shorter version of the Triathlon, removing the hilly part of the course, and will consist of:

• a 400m pool swim at Westgate Leisure Chichester;
• a 30km bike ride through Lavant, Compton, Funtington and back into Chichester Westgate Leisure;
• finishing with a 5km (3 mile) out-and-back flat run along Centurions Way.

The main Triathlon event is the same as in previous years and there is room for up to 300 entries. The first wave of Triathlon competitors will start at 7am. The race consists of:

• a 600m pool swim at Westgate Leisure Chichester;
• a 42km (26 mile) bike ride through Lavant, up South Harting Hill, round through Compton, Funtington and back into Chichester Westgate Leisure;
• finishing with a 10km (6 mile) out-and-back flat run along Centurions Way.

For those who don’t want to take part in all three events, there is the opportunity for teams to compete. This option allows each member of the team to take part in a different event within the Triathlon.
Chip timing will again be used this year. Competitors will be able to see their results and split times, as soon as they cross the finish line. They will also be able to book their race spot online, by completing a form on our website www.chichester.gov.uk. The website will also provide further competition details and a map of the courses. Forms will also be available from Westgate Leisure Chichester.
Once you have booked your place, we will send you a race number, transitions bands and bike/hat stickers near to race day.

Marshals and race referees will be located at a transition area on Chichester College’s front field, where bike racks will also be provided. All competitors will receive a t-shirt and goodie bag.
Councillor Nick Thomas, Portfolio Holder for Sport and Culture at Chichester District Council, says: “Each year the Triathlon attracts more and more competitors, with people coming from all over the world to take part. We are expecting record numbers this year for both the Triathlon and the increasingly popular Aquathon. With the ‘Try A Tri’ event now added to the weekend, we can promise that all three events will offer great all round entertainment for both competitors and spectators alike.”

Natures Way Foods said: “We are strongly committed to supporting community initiatives, particularly those that promote healthy eating and sport in the local area. We are a leading supplier of prepared salads and fruit and this is the fourth year that we are sponsoring this event.”

The cost to enter is:

• £32 for British Triathlon Federation (BTF) Members;
• £39 for Non BTF Members; and
• £55 for a team entry.

The entry fee for the ‘Try a Tri’ is £21 for BTF Members and £25 for Non BTF Members.
Entry forms for the Aquathon are also available from our website and Chichester Westgate Leisure. The cost to enter the Junior Aquathon is £10 for BTF Members and £12 for Non BTF Members.