This weekend, thousands of sports enthusiasts have gathered in the beautiful seaside town of Marazion in West Cornwall to take part in The Human Race Festival of Sport.

The Festival is a celebration of sport and is based around four core sports; cycling, running, open water swimming and triathlon, ensuring there is something for everyone. Also on the programme are sporting activities of a more relaxed nature such as Touch Rugby, Beach Volleyball and Gig Rowing – a traditional Cornish sport.

Everything kicked off on Friday evening with festival pass holders flocking to athlete seminars to pick up tips ahead of their events. The crowds were then treated to a lively evening of live music from Rock and Alternative Folk bands such as Patrick James Pearson Band and Dry the River.

With bellies full of wonderful, locally-sourced dishes from Jamie Oliver’s Fabulous Feasts and beers from St. Austell Brewery, participants made their way over to the Festival Campsite and the numerous Bed and Breakfast hotels throughout the town for a great night’s sleep in preparation for today’s activities.

Waking up to beautifully clear skies and calm sea conditions here in Marazion, the cyclists were the first to start their events with the 40km Women-Only Cycletta, 100km Sportive and 150km Sportive all being set off before 9.30am.

Amongst the participants in the 150km Sportive was former England and Arsenal FC defender Lee Dixon.

After completing the event Lee said: “Just completed the 150km distance and I’ve had an absolutely brilliant day. It was a fantastic route; I’ve cycled in Cornwall quite a lot, but that route took in pretty much every climb in Cornwall. It was great fun and I have to say a superbly organized event.”

The free Beach Sports area opened shortly after, inviting supporters, families and visitors to try their hand at Beach volleyball, gig rowing and blow carting, amongst many other “have-a-go” activities. The many children in attendance were also well entertained, with many of them sporting elaborate face painting designs while constructing some pretty impressive sandcastles.

At midday, those taking part in the 5km, 10km and children’s 800m Beach Runs were set off by none other than Olympic gold medal-winning rower and Penzance resident Helen Glover. Speaking as the runners spread out along the shore, Glover said of The Human Race Festival of Sport:

“I grew up in this area and I’m really fortunate to have had this as the backdrop for my training for many years. It’s such a fantastic part of the UK and today it’s really brilliant to see so many people of all abilities and ages inspired to compete here.

We’ve all been quite overwhelmed by the effect that we, as Olympians, have had on getting people out there’s every chance that someone competing here at The Festival could be one of our next medalist in Rio or beyond.”

Participants throughout the weekend are raising money for the Official Charity Partner Wings for Life. The charity, which fundraises for ground breaking spinal cord injury research, is here over the weekend providing support and tips for everyone taking part.

As the swimmers set off on their 1.5km, 3km and 10km challenges this afternoon, there’s a real energy about the place with hundreds more locals and visitors arriving, registering for events, purchasing Festival Passes and enjoying the festival atmosphere at the Human Race Festival of Sport Hub.

Headlining this evening are popular British rock band Reef, whose hit “Place your hands” will no doubt be a festival favourite with everyone here in Marazion.

For more information about the Human Race Festival of Sport, please visit: http://www.festivalofsport.net