The event was shortlisted after a rigorous steering process involving more than 40 key figures from across the industry and 50 hours of intensive judging – fully overseen by Deloitte, the Official Independent Scrutineer of the Sport Industry Awards, to ensure absolute transparency and impartiality – the list of nominees represents the best the industry had to offer in 2011.
The Dextro Energy Triathlon London presented by Tata Steel was staged in Hyde Park on 6 and 7 August 2011, and has in just three years, firmly placed itself as one of the ‘must do’ races for novice triathletes in the UK with 4,550 competitors aged from 17 to 74 racing.
The event offered a unique opportunity to compete in the same event as the elites, whilst taking in some of London’s most iconic landmarks including Buckingham Palace, the Queen Victoria Memorial and Wellington Arch. With elite races taking place on the same day, mass participation athletes had the opportunity to experience world-class support and infrastructure, whilst being supported by huge crowds that lined the route.
British Triathlon and Upsolut Sports UK, developed the event together and managed to create an environment of strong public partners including UK Sport who funded the elite event. London & Partners secured support from the City of London and helped establish the event as a major player in the busy London event market. Royal Parks enabled the event to take place in the scenic Hyde Park and used it to showcase the various activities the Royal Parks stand for: swimming, cycling, running, – all of which are environmentally friendly.
British Triathlon and Upsolut Sports UK worked in partnership with the London 2012 Organising Committee of the Olympic Games to ensure the event delivery model used in the 2009 and 2010 events was once again delivered to world-class standards in 2011, whist allowing the additional event infrastructure for the London 2012 Olympic Games to be tested.
Ian Braid, British Triathlon Director for Major and National events was delighted with the news commenting: “British Triathlon is delighted that the Hyde Park event has been nominated for the ‘Participation Event of the Year’ on behalf of everyone involved in making it happen. The continued world-class delivery of major events has played a significant role in raising the profile of triathlon, a sport that appeals to everyone seeking a sporting challenge. In this special year we hope the sporting public will come to Hyde Park in August to support our elite athletes in their quest for Olympic success.”
The shortlists will now go forward for consideration by the main Judging Panel, who will decide the winners in each category. The results will be announced at the star-studded Sport Industry Awards ceremony on Wednesday 2 May 2012.
The success for triathlon didn’t stop there with British Triathlon’s Elite Team Partner, GE has also been shortlisted for ‘Best Sponsorship of a Sports Team or Individual’ after their promotion of the GE Great Britain Triathlon Team. Outside of the Sports Industry Awards, GE has also been nominated for the Sport Sponsorship Award, in the Hollis Sponsorship Awards, in addition to GE Capital being nominated for best ‘Corporate Sponsorship Award’.
