The Jenson Button Trust Triathlon, which won Event of the Year in the recent 220 Triathlon national awards, will return to Derby on Sunday July 17.
The event, which previously took place near Luton, was held at Markeaton Park for the first time in July 2015 when hundreds of competitors took part – cheered on by thousands of spectators in the park and along the cycle route through the city centre.
This year’s event will be even bigger with elite, seasoned and novice triathletes as well as teams of three in the Team Challenge, sponsored by Midlands business advisers and accountants Smith Cooper, competing alongside Formula 1 McLaren Honda racing driver Jenson Button in a day of sport.
Everyone will get the chance to race twice. The preliminary will consist of a 200m swim in Markeaton Lake; 10km cycle from the park and on closed roads into the city’s Cathedral Quarter before returning to the park to complete a 2.5km run.
In the individual event, the top male and female performers will then go on to the finals – completing a 400m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run, with the runners up entering the wooden spoon race.
The Team Challenge participants will race again in the afternoon over the Super Sprint distance and the team with the fastest average time will emerge victorious.
The prize fund available to competitors is one of the largest for a UK based sprint triathlon. A grand total of £7000 will be on offer, split between the male and female categories.
Spectators are invited to join in the fun. As well as the opportunity to watch the competitors in action, a wide range of family activities will also be held at the event village set up in Markeaton Park.
The day will culminate in medal presentations by Jenson Button and a post-race party for participants with live music and locally-produced food and drink.
Jenson Button said: “Moving the triathlon to Derby last year was a great decision and we immediately knew that we wanted to return again this July.
“It’s an amazing location in the park and having a closed road cycle route is a particular bonus thanks to the support of Derby City Council.
“The event is therefore perfect for both amateurs and professionals and especially for spectators who will be have the great opportunity to see all the action in the lake, on the cycle route and through the park and watch us all going through the pain!”
During the JBTT lunchtime break – the ‘Be More Bailey’ family challenge will start with a 50m swim in the lake then head out onto the closed roads for a 2.5km cycle before a 750m run – crossing the same finishing line as the JBTT triathletes.
Head of Huub Events Dean Jackson said: “Last year’s event was a triumph for Derby and excitement is certainly building for this year.
“July 17 will be a fantastic celebration of sport – involving novice and elite athletes, teams of three and now family members – and making it the largest ever Jenson Button Trust Triathlon.”
“With 2016 being an Olympic year and all our thoughts returning to the lasting legacy of sport – I am delighted that Derby will be leading the way again and hosting an even more spectacular event this summer.”
Funds raised by the main Jenson Button Trust Triathlon will again support Cancer Research UK.
Registrations for the Jenson Button Trust Triathlon and the Be More Bailey Challenge will close on July 10. To enter and for more information, please visit www.jensonbuttontri.com and, for latest news and training tips follow on Twitter @JBTrustTri