Branson to race London Triathlon
Virgin Active Health Clubs has announced a three-year deal to become the title sponsor of the London Triathlon. The Virgin founder, Sir Richard Branson, has also confirmed he’ll be taking to the start line in July
Virgin Active Health Clubs has announced a three-year deal to become the title sponsor of the newly named ‘Virgin Active Health Clubs London Triathlon’. And, in something of a coup for the race, the Virgin founder, Sir Richard Branson, has confirmed he’ll be taking to the start line in July.
The annual IMG Challenger World event, set in London’s Docklands, sees over 13,000 participants swim, cycle and run around a specially designed course that winds through some of London’s most famous landmarks such as Big Ben, Tower Bridge and the London Eye. Next year’s event will take place on 30th and 31st July.
Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson commented: “The Virgin Active London Triathlon is set to be not only a really fun event, but also a great way for people of all fitness levels to get involved in sport and exercise. Virgin Active will, of course, be helping me and their members, many of whom have signed up alongside me, shape up for the big day. I hope they don’t show me up too much!
“Following on from the marathon, it’ll be a chance for me to take on my children – Holly and Sam – who I’m sure will be keen as ever to beat their dad! Not sure butterfly wings will work on a bicycle though – I’ll have to get more creative!”
In the lead up to the event, Virgin Active will be launching a series of triathlon related fitness products and will be helping its participating members to train and prepare. They will also be offering a large quantity of highly sought after event places for members. During 2011 indoor triathlons aimed at children and families will take place at Virgin Active’s 71 health clubs across the UK and its 122 clubs in South Africa, Italy and Iberia.
Commenting on the partnership, Virgin Active’s Chairman, Richard Baker said; “Virgin Active is very proud to be supporting the London Triathlon, given how well it fits with the core sports replicated in our clubs.
“This is the world’s largest event of its type, and its reputation as the fastest growing Olympic sport allows us to encourage a wide range of people of all fitness levels, from beginner to elite, to get involved and try it for themselves.”
For more information and to book your place at the 2011 Virgin Active Health Clubs London Triathlon visit www.thelondontriathlon.co.uk.
Matt Baird
Editor of Cycling Plus magazine 
