The Youth Hostel Association held another GO TRI event at the weekend, this time at YHA York with 16 competitors taking part including YO1 Radio personality, Chris Marsden.
Competitors were treated to a spectacular day with the weather holding off while they participated in a duathlon around the surrounding fields of YHA York. The 16 men and women started the event with a 2km run around the field which was then followed by a 5.4km bike ride, finished off with another 2km circle around the fields on foot.
Lisa Ballantine, the Event Director, is a triathlete herself and the sport proudly runs through her veins.. She is part of York Tri Club and has competed for the Great Britain Age-Group Team at World and European Championship level but claims the buzz doesn’t compare to hosting a GO TRI event.
Lisa said: “I am passionate about the sport so much that organising events such as GO TRI YHA York gives me such a thrill and the opportunity to share that passion with others.”
The partnership between British Triathlon and YHA has gone from strength to strength since it was announced earlier this year. The aim is to make triathlon accessible to anyone and has seen YHA GO TRI events hosted up and down the country, club weekend away trips and the YHA membership for just £1 for all British Triathlon Home Nation members.
Chris Marsden, radio personality for local radio station YO1, took part in the event as part of the Oasis Project which is designed to make playing sport and active recreation easier and more enticing. He recorded a video diary of his experience of the event.
He said: "The event was a tremendous success, not just in respect of the organisation, but the fact that every individual there was made to feel special, individual and pumped - I've only just stopped grinning about the day!"
James Blake, Chief Executive of YHA (England and Wales), said: “We’re extremely excited to be working with British Triathlon to deliver GO TRI events. It’s an opportunity for YHA to further influence the impact we have on the lives of young people and their families. Through our partnership and fantastic events like the one at YHA York we can reach even more people of all ages, abilities and from all backgrounds.”
Participants and spectators alike enjoyed the atmosphere which was created and all deemed it a great success. There are many plans for there to be new YHA GO TRI events nationwide throughout 2018.
Want to give TRI a go? Search for local GO TRI training sessions and events near you.
