BSLT
LOCAL fitness fanatics are being urged to give it a tri as Borders Sport and Leisure Trust (BSLT) triathlon series 2012 gets set to make a splash in the region.
One of the biggest events of its type in Scotland, the series kicks off this Sunday in Galashiels.
Other events in Selkirk, Peebles, Hawick, Kelso and Eyemouth are set to attract hundreds of competitors across the summer months.
The first event features a 750m swim, 19.14km cycle and 4.66km run. There is also a cut-down “come and tri” version (400m swim, 10.88km cycle, 2.33km run) being held.
Ewan Jackson, chief executive of BSLT said: “We are keen to facilitate initiatives that encourage people to participate in both leisure and competitive sports.
“The popularity of triathlons is booming and our series attracts a large and loyal following. By including a ‘come and tri’ at every event we are hoping that people who have not taken part in full triathlons before will give it a shot and then opt to compete in some of the other events.”
The triathlon timetable is as follows: Sunday, April 8 – Galashiels Triathlon (Galashiels Swimming Pool); Sunday, May 6 – Selkirk Triathlon (Selkirk Leisure Centre); Sunday, June 10 – Peebles Triathlon (Peebles Swimming Pool); Sunday, July 1 – Hawick Triathlon (Teviotdale Leisure Centre); Sunday, August 12 – Kelso Triathlon (Kelso Swimming Pool); Sunday, September 23 – Eyemouth Triathlon (Eyemouth Leisure Centre).
BSLT is also hosting two duathlons: Sunday, May 27 – Tweedbank; Sunday, August 19 – Peebles; and two auqathons: Saturday, May 26 – Eyemouth; Sunday, September 16 – Galashiels.
LAUDERDALE LIMPERS
LIMPERS’ first spring training weekend took place with 18 members travelling to the Cottage Hotel in Craster, Northumberland.
The weekend had a triathlon theme involving a focus on the three skills of cycling, running and wild water swimming. The first event involved a cycle to Lindisfarne – a great backdrop although a biting north wind kept temperatures well below those of last week.
The second event was a 10-mile run across the wild expanses of the Northumberland coast with sections on coastal paths, beach, and dunes as well as the undulating rocky terrain around Dunstanburgh Castle.
A quick change into wetsuits and two instructors were ready to teach the hardy athletes the secrets of wild water swimming. With the water temperature a numbing six degrees the session was short but very exhilarating, with a hilarious video of the event captured by the instructors.
After a night refuelling on monstrous portions in the hotel and some après event drinks, the club enjoyed a stunning breakfast run south of Craster along the cliffs on the Northumberland coast, before heading back to Lauder.