Hever Castle to host Europe's largest youth tri

Around 1,300 children expected to race in Kent this weekend

Published: September 26, 2013 at 9:50 am

A record number of children are set to take part in the Hever Castle Triathlon this weekend, with organisers reporting huge demand for places and over a thousand youth entries being snapped up.

In total, around 1,300 children aged eight to 15 are due to participate, including 116 pairs of siblings, bringing the total number of entrants over the course of the weekend to 5,000 - nearly double that of last year.

This year's event will also host an Inter Schools Tournament trophy, to be contested by 65 schools, and all the children will receive a pep talk from elite triathletes including Scotland's David McNamee.

Race director Brian Adcock said: “The Olympic triathlon has had a dramatic effect on our registration figures with confirmations surging the weekend after the event and following through to this year.

"The Olympic legacy has certainly taken effect with so many children planning to take part claiming it testament to London 2012."

This year's event (the last in the Markel Castle Series) will include a new half-Iron distance event called The Gauntlet, and an international challenge between Team GB and Team France.

220 Triathlon's Matt Baird will be racing over the weekend - give him a cheer if you see him!

www.castletriathlonseries.co.uk.