The celebs are entering their taper, the ExCel Centre is being primed for the arrival of thousands of UK triathletes and the TV cameras are on standby…
It must be nearly time for this year’s London Triathlon, when over 13,000 people will dive into the Docklands for a festival of swim/bike/run in the capital. We take a look at what to expect this weekend (2-3 August).
Distances
This year the distances will range from super sprint races through to sprint and Olympic distance races, with “Olympic-plus” (1500m swim/80km bike/10km run) also on offer. The age-group races will mostly take place on Saturday 2 August, with the elites racing on Sunday.
Celebs
The London Tri always attracts some well-known faces, with Spice Girl Mel C and broadcaster Alistair Campbell among those who have previously raced. F1 racer Jenson Button has also taken part a few times, finishing third in his age-group three years ago with a time of 2:14:15 for the Olympic distance.
This year, British swimmer Mark Foster, TV presenter Jenni Falconer and cyclist Rob Hayles have agreed to be celebrity team relay captains – but take heart Spice Girls fans, as a regular racer Mel C may also be there.
The course
All participants will start their race with a dip in the London Docklands, followed by a spin on closed roads around some of London’s most well-known landmarks, including Tower Bridge, Big Ben and the London Eye. The run will be held within striking distance of the ExCel Centre, and finish inside the building. The course map can be downloaded here.
Previous winners
Last year our recent cover star (and now holder of two Commonwealth golds) Jodie Stimpson won the women's elite race, with Greg Roualt winning the elite men's race. Other pros taking part last year included Vicky Holland (who won bronze in Glasgow yesterday), Mark Buckingham and two-time Ironman UK champ Daniel Halksworth.
The 220 team will be there on race weekend cheering on all the athletes – if you spot us then come and say hi!
Are you racing the London Triathlon this year? How’s training going? Let us know in the comments below!