As part of the new Outlaw Triathlon in Nottingham, an open-water swimming event has been added to the event weekend, taking place on the morning of Saturday 7 August. Competitors can take on swims of 500m, 1500m and 3000m in Holme Pierrepont regatta lake. Entries are available now via www.onestepbeyond.org.uk.
 
The event will aim to appeal to traithletes and swimmers alike, and some former Olympians have already agreed to swim as part of the link with official charity partner, the British Heart Foundation. This will give triathletes an unusual opportunity to take on some former greats.
 
Organiser, Iain Hamilton, of One Step Beyond said: “We wanted to give people an opportunity to come along and be part of the Outlaw. They may not fancy doing the long distance triathlon, but they can be involved by taking part in the swim.
 
“The link with Olympians has come about through our charity link in memory of Simon Willis. His wife Gaynor (nee Stanley), was an Olympian in 1984 and her company, SwimShop are a partner of the event. We’re looking forward to welcoming some great names from the past!
 
“The 500m event will be ideal for novices, whilst experienced swimmers can take on the longer races. We hope that local triathletes, swimmers and residents will enter and contribute to a fantastic weekend. It may be the first time that many of them have been part of a triathlon event and there will be hundreds of nervous triathletes around the venue racking their bikes and registering, so there will be a real buzz around the place.
 
“Outlaw Triathletes are welcome to join in free of charge if they want to test their wetsuits and get a feel for swimming in Holme Pierrepont. It’s also something for partners and family to take part in during the weekend.”
 
Entry is free for anyone signed up to do the Outlaw the following morning, and swimmers can choose whether they wear a wetsuit or not.
 
Hamilton added: “Holme Pierrepont is an ideal venue for open water swimming because it’s long and relatively narrow so it’s easier for swimmers to stay on course. There are also plenty of hot showers and a great cafe on site for afterwards. The national open water swimming championships have taken place at Holme Pierrepont several times in the past, so it’s a tried and tested venue and we hope people will come along and take part.”
 
Entries are available now priced £14-£24, including a donation to the British Heart Foundation.