Entries are now open for the annual St Ives Biathlon, which will celebrate its 65th year this year.
Organised by the town’s St Ives Surf Life Saving Club, the event will take place on Saturday, June 17.
Over its 65 years, events have seen biathletes travel from as far as America and France, with many returning year-on-year as well as the event attracting new entrants who either want to undertake a personal challenge or add the St Ives Biathlon to their sporting calendar.
In the past, the popular Open/ Vet (40yrs+) has seen up to 250 participants run through the streets of the town starting from the harbour, following the coast path towards Carbis Bay beach for approximately 1.5 miles, before swimming back to the harbour slipway for another 1.5 miles.
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The event also features two other categories, open to 250 participants each: with the Junior Race (12-16yrs) running to Porthminster Beach before swimming back; and the Novice Race (17yrs+) following the same route.
Each category is also open to team entries, with one person running and one swimming.
As well as pre-entries in the coming weeks, competitors can register to enter from 3pm on the day at the harbour slipway, but are encouraged to make a pre-entry via the online form which will guarantee them a commemorative event t-shirt and discounted entry price reduced from £40 to £35 for the Open/Vets; £30 to £25 for the Novice; £25 to £18 for the junior and £25 to £20 for the Teams.
Ahead of the day, St Ives Surf Life Saving Club is putting practical event preparations in place, whilst welcoming a record number of 33 local business sponsors.
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Chris Simpson, chair of St Ives Surf Life Saving Club and Biathlon lead said: “Now entering its 25th year, our Club is extremely proud of the St Ives Biathlon.
"Each year it raises our profile - attracting new members, whilst securing much-needed funds. Each entrant pays a small entry fee, complemented by business sponsorship of the event.
“We have 33 businesses on board this year, which is a record number. We are delighted that so many previous year’s business sponsors have returned. It is with their generosity, along with the kind support of the townspeople, that the event can take place each year.”
Those interested in competing in the Biathlon should register online at https://shorturl.at/dBDLS; alternatively, the entry form can be assessed through the club’s social media; those interested in helping with the organisation should contact Chris Simpson on 07495 482322.
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