Warriors, Survivors, Olympians And Fitness Enthusiasts Kick Start Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research Blenheim Palace Triathlon

11 June 2013, 10:03AM
Femme

June 8, 2013 - The sun shone on Blenheim for day one of the Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research Blenheim Palace Triathlon, with a record number of entrants and spectators expected to roll into the palace grounds over the course of the weekend.

As this year’s title sponsor and official charity partner, Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research have over 1,000 people taking part in the event and are predicting to smash records and raise over £250,000 to help beat blood cancer.


Blood cancer survivor Livio Belpassi, took part in today’s event, having already smashed his fundraising target of £6,000 for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research and finishing the triathlon in a commendable 1:38.55.


Livio Belpassi, said: “I participated in this event for my father and friends who I have lost to Blood cancer. Raising awareness for the great work Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research are doing in helping people beat the disease is something very close to my heart and I am already looking forward to my next triathlon”.


Matt Lawley, Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research Running & Triathlons Manager, said: “It’s been a fantastic start to the Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research Blenheim Palace Triathlon. Everyone from absolute beginners to experienced triathletes that we’ve spoken to have loved the event and its unique atmosphere. We’re truly inspired by all the fundraisers who’ve chosen to take part and support us in our mission to beat blood cancers.”


Bringing a fresh new element to the weekend’s proceedings, Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research have this year challenged a select group of triathletes to see how many sprint triathlons they can complete in one weekend by taking part in the ‘Weekend Warriors’ challenge. www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/weekendwarriors


The team of five, including Mark Bayliss, who last year became the 11th person ever to finish the Enduroman Arch to Arc, a 300 mile continuous triathlon from London to Paris and Ed Sutton, who is currently preparing to cycle across six continents covering over 50,000 miles, kick started the gruelling challenge in the first Sprint wave this morning, collectively finishing 15 throughout the course of the day.


Former Olympian and 400m runner Iwan Thomas took part in today’s Sprint Wave. Despite the swim scuppering his plans to fully complete the course, he continued on like a true sportsman, sprinting to cross the finish line.


Iwan Thomas said “The swim didn’t quite go as I had hoped, but it’s given me motivation to train harder for next year. As always, the crowd were so encouraging - I even met a new friend, Ed, in the transition, who I convinced to keep going after he had to drop out of the cycle leg.”


James Robinson, Managing Director IMG Challenger World, comments on day one of the event: "The Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research Blenheim Palace Triathlon truly is a special event. From the setting to the people and atmosphere, each year we thoroughly enjoy working with the palace to put on the event. It's great to have seen so many participants and spectators flooding into this incredible venue to enjoy the day. The Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research fundraisers in particular have made great efforts in fundraising and we urge people to continue to donate for this great cause."

The event is the UK’s second largest triathlon and is generally considered to be the ‘official season opener’. It is an extremely iconic event in the triathlon calendar. As the event is open to all abilities, from first time triathletes (who make up approximately 50% of entrants) to the elites, it is no surprise that it has sold out of general entry places in record time this year.

The action continues tomorrow with the rising generation of young elites taking to the course. The elite field will be hoping to emulate the success of the Brownlee brothers, who used Blenheim Palace Triathlon as their last official race before the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Sky Sports News presenter Charlie Webster, along with Sketchers professional athlete Rhys Davey, will be joining the elites on day two, racing in the corporate relay events.

Register your interest in the 2014 event now to gain access to 48 hour a priority window before the event goes on sale to the general public.

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