Cumbria School Games Go Tri Event

[A]ustin Friars School in Carlisle continue their incredible sporting legacy with a Cumbria School Games win.

On Friday 29th June, nine secondary schools from across Cumbria came together and took part in a brand new Cumbria School Games Go-Tri festival, aimed at students new to triathlon, held at Keswick Leisure Centre.

This festival provides a unique opportunity for secondary school pupils in years 7 and 8 to take part in a Go Tri event, and as a result of the success of the event, the organisers are keen to incorporate it in to the Cumbria School Games calendar moving forward.

The participants swam 80m, cycled 3k along the Keswick to Threlkeld old railway path and finally ran 1k with a sprint finish in Fitz Park.

Debbie Edginton, a volunteer with Keswick Tri Club and Allerdale Sports Awards Coach of the Year 2017 coordinated the event alongside Cumbria County Council’s Active Cumbria team, and the Local School Games Organising Committee, with Oliver Heald, North West Regional Manager from Triathlon England also supporting the programme.

Debbie, from Keswick Tri Club said: “It’s first time I have coordinated a team relay triathlon event. The children who took part put 100% effort in and supported each other in each swim, bike and run leg”.

British Triathlon would like to see the development of beginner activities in schools across Cumbria. It is hoped that this event will encourage more young people to undertake triathlon as a sport and be a catalyst for participation and development. Competitors develop many skills by taking part and we would hope that ultimately many are enthused to continue to explore competitive sport both in school and at local clubs.

Oliver from Triathlon England said: “It was great to see so many children take part with smiles on their faces. The support they gave each other was fantastic and to complete their first triathlon event is something they should be really proud of.”

Sporting Guest, Rennell Brennan enthused the young people and teachers with her story of leaving work as a PE teacher and becoming a triathlete at the age of 45. She went on to achieve 2nd position in the 2017 Targu Mures ETU Cross Triathlon European Championships at and 7th place in the 2016 Snowy Mountains ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships.

Rennell said: “I’m humbled and honoured to be here today, it’s been really interesting to be on the other side after 24 years of teaching. I’m proof to show that you are never too old, but it’s fantastic to see these youngsters getting this opportunity to do this now, they are the future, you never know who you’re inspiring and it’s been great that I’ve been able to give back.”

Schools involved & Results: