Over 500 people have already signed up for this year’s Skipton Triathlon and Craven District Council is inviting more to jump on board. The event is only 5 weeks away and there is still time for people to sign up. It is hoped that last year’s record entry of 600 will be reached and surpassed.

Craven District Council is hosting the novice-friendly event, which is suitable for all levels of fitness, at Craven Swimming Pool and in Aireville Park.

The event organisers Freebird Events has put together a Sprint Distance Triathlon that is short enough to be manageable by a complete beginner yet still challenging enough for those wishing to really test themselves in the three discipline race. Anyone over the age of 15 can enter, and there is no age limit.

There is an excellent free training programme for novice triathletes. There is a special postcode prize category for all participants from the BD23 area. Disabled athletes are equally encouraged to take part and some assistance may be available with equipment if required.

Last year’s event attracted over 600 competitors of all ages and abilities, making it the biggest Sprint Distance Event in the Yorkshire region. For many it was their first ever race.

The Triathlon will include a 400m swim (16 lengths), a 20km cycle and a 5km run. If that sounds too daunting, you can enter as a team (one swimmer, one cyclist and one runner).

On the day there will be a special Triathlon Experience area next to the transition area and finish line. This includes Watt bike exercise machines to test how many watts you can generate whilst cycling, sponsors stands, massage from Craven College and a bike doctor from Dave Furguson Cycles. The newly formed Craven Energy Tri club will be on hand to offer advice and support.

Alongside the main event there will be a Junior Fun run for up to 100 participants on the day. This will be one lap of the park and finish under the main race finish gantry. It will take place after the prizegiving for the main event.

Councillor Chris Knowles-Fitton, Leader of the Council, said: It’s great to see so many entries, many of them from local people, for this event. We are really looking forward to the day and the opportunity to showcase Skipton, and Craven Swimming Pool as a high quality venue for hosting events of regional significance.

Freebird Events company director, Paul Mathieson, said: “We are very excited to have taken over the organisation of this hugely popular and successful event. We aim to bring a high quality, fun atmosphere to all competitors and spectators alike. For those competitors taking part in their first triathlon, the feeling of elation at completing the event should be a positive, memorable experience. Freebird Events will aspire to bring this notion to all competitors in this year’s Skipton Triathlon.”

Further details are available on the Freebird website: www.freebirdevents.co.uk. Entry forms are also available from Craven Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre.