Triathlon joins race to save the planet (From Croydon Guardian)

Triathlon joins race to save the planet

10:10am Monday 1st September 2008 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(3)

The Crystal Palace Triathlon is believed to be the first carbon-neutral triathlon to be held in the UK.

Almost two months before the race, organised by Crystal Palace Triathletes (CPT), it is fully subscribed and a waiting list is in operation.

Over 50 eager triathletes are already waiting to see if anyone drops out.

The carbon-neutral theme has proved popular with competitors with 432 of the 450 indicating they think this a good initiative.

More than 40 entrants have also signed up to the car sharing scheme.

The race, held on September 21, will then make a donation to one of the Gold Standard/ Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS) Projects.

There will be some changes to this year’s race format as the 50m pool in the National Sports Centre is still closed for refurbishment.

The event will consist of a 400m swim in the sports centre’s training pool, followed by a 20km, nine-lap cycle around the traffic-free Crystal Palace Park and finishing with a 5km run, which incorporates two-and-a-half laps of the athletics track.

Sponsors, Up & Running will be available on the day for any last minute purchases, inner tubes, helmets and race belts.

Club Chairman John Petrides announced: “We are delighted that yet again the Crystal Palace Triathlon has sold out and particularly pleased that there has been such a positive response to our carbon-neutral theme.

“The CPT club members will ensure that everyone, from first timers to seasoned triathletes, is welcomed, encouraged, supported and looked after on race day.”

• For more information about the race and Crystal Palace Triathletes click here