Shoppers sign up for the Lakeside Triathlon

As well as shopping this weekend (27/28 March), visitors to the Lakeside Shopping Centre in Thurrock, Essex, will have an opportunity to sign up for a unique challenge - the inaugural Lakeside Triathlon.



Taking place on Sunday 27 June, this exciting new multisport event includes a safe 750m swim in Lakeside's beautiful Alexandra Lake followed by a flat and fast 20km bike and a 5km run. The event, hosted by Lakeside and supported by Thurrock Council, is attracting significant interest with entries already received from London and the home counties, East Anglia and the Midlands. A large number of the entries received are from first time triathletes covering a wide age range. This reflects the broad appeal of triathlon, one of the fastest growing sports in the UK.



Essex Police are offering full traffic management support with officers stationed at every major junction to ensure rider safety by offering cyclists priority over motorists. The swim and run sections will take place within the grounds of the shopping centre – ensuring that there will be plenty of parking, spectators and places to eat on The Boardwalk by the lake after the event.



Organiser, Iain Hamilton, of One Step Beyond said: “We’ll be taking entries at Lakeside all weekend so if you like the sound of triathlon, come and have a chat with us to find out more, receive advice on training, as well as enter the race there and then.



“The opportunity to race within the grounds of one of Europe’s largest shopping centres is unique and very exciting. One Step Beyond and local partner, Mike Porter of Triathlon Racing Inc have had great support from Lakeside, Thurrock Council and the local police to get this exciting new event up and running, and we’re already looking forward to 27 June.”



The Lakeside Triathlon exhibition will be on Level 2 of the shopping centre in front of Marks and Spencer from 9am on Saturday 27 to 9pm and 11am Sunday 28 March to 5pm.



Entry information and course maps are available through http://www.onestepbeyond.org.uk. Competitors need to be a minimum of 15 years, but there is no upper age limit. If you’re fit enough, you’re young enough to take part!