Triathlon, fell and cross-country running, mountain biking, and open water swimming are all popular sports on the Island. Now endurance event enthusiasts have a chance to combine all of these disciplines at Granite Mann – the Island’s first ever off-road triathlon.

The event on Sunday October 26 is being organised by The Children’s Centre and sponsored by PwC, one of the leading firms of chartered accountants on the Island. It will start with a 400metre swim in Cringle Reservoir, followed by a 10km mountain bike ride along fantastic trails through Cringle Plantation, and then a 5km run along the plantation’s fire tracks. The distances for each of the three legs are based on those recommended by the British Triathlon Federation. Each competitor will receive a running vest and a swim cap, and there will also be electronic timing. Lisa Motley, Endurance Events Fundraiser at The Children’s Centre, said:

“There is so much enthusiasm on the Island for all types of endurance sports, but especially off-road events. As far as we know, Granite Mann is the first off-road and open water triathlon to be held on the Island and we’re sure that it will appeal to a broad cross-section of entrants. It will be a real test for elite competitors, but the distances involved are also designed to make it accessible to all abilities including those who may want to take part in a multisport event for the first time. There’s also the option of competing in a teams of two or three competitors. We’re extremely grateful to the support from PwC in helping us to stage this brand new event, and to the Bikestyle cycle shop in Douglas for providing technical support for all competitors at the start of the race.”

Ian Clague, senior partner at PwC, commented:

“One again, The Children’s Centre have come up with an exciting new event to capture the imagination of the Island’s endurance athletes. We are delighted to support the event which will of course also raise some funds for a very worthy cause.”          

The entry fees are ?40 per person and ?70 per team. The team event is run on a relay basis for teams of two or three competitors.

Each member of a team of three will complete one of the three legs of the triathlon – for teams of two, one competitor will have to complete two of the three legs. However, the Granite Mann Triathlon is restricted to a maximum of 20 teams, and entries are made on a first come, first served basis.

All proceeds from the event will go towards The Children’s Centre’s charitable projects which help families and children - Mobex, Out2Play, Child Contact Centre, Community Development and the Community Farm. The Children’s Centre can also provide sponsorship forms for competitors who want to raise additional funds. To enter the triathlon go to http://www.thechildrenscentre.org.im/adventure-events/ about or for more information contact Lisa Motley by emailing LisaMotley@thechildrenscentre.org.im or phoning 676076.

Photo - Jill Bunyan, a member of the Manx Tri Club and one of the first entrants to sign-up for the Granite Mann Triathlon, gets in some training at Cringle Plantation and reservoir where the race will be held on October 26.