St Ives gears up for biathlon race
7:20am Sunday 10th June 2012 in West Cornwall
St Ives gears up for biathlon race
Entries are now open for one of the most popular sporting events in S Ives’ busy summer calendar, the biathlon The St Ives Biathlon takes place for the 14th year on Saturday July 7, and spaces are now available for up to 750 to take part in this well loved run and swim.
Organised by the St Ives Surf Lifesaving Club, up to 750 participants will run through the streets of the town, following the coast path towards Carbis Bay for approximately two kilometres, before they enter the water and swim back towards the harbour slipway for another two kilometres.
With three races throughout the evening, open to 250 participants per race, the Junior Race (12-16yrs) starts at 6.30pm and is a shorter run to Porthminster beach before swimming back. The Novice Race (17yrs+) follows the same route, starting at 7pm. The grand finale and most popular is the Open / Vet Race (40yrs+) which follows the full route and starts at 7.30pm.
David Bonar, chairman of StIves Surf Lifesaving Club said: "St.Ives as a town benefits from varied events that include the whole community and we hope that the tradition of the biathlon will continue to involve hundreds of people. We are delighted that it supports not just our current Lifeguards, but also the lifesavers of the future by raising funds for St Ives Surf Lifesaving Club.”
“We are very grateful for the support that we have received from local companies for this year’s event, in terms of funding and help, who include Tregenna Castle, Eventy – Marketing & PR, Carbis Bay Hotel, the Sloop, the Mermaid, Robie Robes, Carbis Bay Holidays, Carbon Control, Cherished Cottages, Cornish Bakehouse, Samsung, Ocean Supplies and St.Ives Surf School. As well as support from local businesses, the St.Ives Biathlon is also tremendously supported on the day by the RNLI.”.
Drawing competitors from all over the British Isles – as well as from as far a-field as Spain, it has become an important fundraiser for the club that is enjoyed by St.Ives’ community.
Money raised through corporate support and entry fees (once costs are deducted) will be used by the charity to help pursue a long held dream of building a new club house and community hub on Porthmeor beach.
As well as funds, the Biathlon also raises heart rates - as people compete and support their friends and family members. The route is packed with supporters, with crowds gathering to watch and cheer at popular spots on the harbour slipway as people start and finish, as well as the two beaches which are important half way points as people end their run and start their swim.
Do go along on the day and lend your support or push the boat out and register now – the perfect motivation to get fit for the summer!
For more information and for an entry form, please visit http://www.stivesslsc.com The website also has an email facility for any enquiries.
