On Tuesday 12 September, YHA Lee Valley hosted a women only Duathlon. A run-bike-run multisport event, in which 16 lovely ladies took part.
For many of the women participating this was the first time they had done a multisport event and first experience of GO TRI. The event included a 1.4km run, 6.3km cycle, followed by a 1.4km run to the finish, where a warm cuppa and slice of cake was waiting for all our awesome finishers.
The event labelled ‘your pace, no race’, was all about women coming together, having fun taking part and completing, not competing! Like all our GO TRI events, it was friendly and informal, aimed at beginners having a go, in a supportive and encouraging setting. It didn’t matter if you couldn’t run on the run sections, one woman struggled with running so decided that she would power walk through it, with the other women cheering her on all the way to the finish! She told us that she was proud to complete it and is thinking about doing another GO TRI event.
Our partners at YHA Lee Valley provided a beautiful event setting with lots of stunning views along the route, wonderful woodcarvings and a picturesque lake. As this was a public area our participants had an audience and were cheered on by passing public, which added to the incredible atmosphere.
It wasn’t just residence from the local area who took part, members of staff from YHA got involved, eager to give TRI a go! Rachel Ramsay, Head of Marketing for YHA, said. ‘This was my first GO TRI event and I am the perfect target audience for these styles of events. I signed up to prove to myself that I could complete it and with the hope that it will inspire me to become more active and get up and run. Hosting the event at YHA Lee Valley gave the participants such a friendly atmosphere in a beautiful setting. YHA is aiming to fully support GO TRI events in the future and provide more fantastic YHA event settings.’
Jo Lynch, Commercial Director at YHA, said. ‘It was great to showcase a GO TRI event and how we can together inspire and support more people to become more active and try multisport events. It was also great to see many members of the YHA team in action to dispel any lingering images of Lycra and pointy helmets. It is a great opportunity to show what this partnership can do and how it is relevant to all of our guests.’
It wasn’t just the participants who commented on how fantastic the atmosphere was. People who were staying at the hostel commented on how it had added excitement to their stay, as they weren’t aware YHA held events like GO TRI.
Robert Bishop, GO TRI Delivery Manager, said. ‘YHA Lee Valley women only duathlon was a great success. We’re delighted to work with YHA and YHA Lee Valley to give women the opportunity to take part in multisport events for the first time, in such amazing surroundings. The partnership with YHA has gone from strength to strength and we really do have something for everyone; GO TRI events, club weekend away trips, the chance to stay at a YHA hostel for a discounted rate before events and YHA memberships for just £1 for all home members.’
This isn’t the first event we’ve hosted in collaboration with the YHA. Since announcing our partnership earlier this year, a number of GO TRI events have taken place, members have been taking advantage of the discounted stay when taking part and local clubs have been taking advantage of the facilities for club weekend breaks. There will be lots more events coming up at YHA settings across England and Wales throughout the year too!
Unleash your inner beginner and give TRI a go! Search for local GO TRI training sessions and events near you.
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