|
Clacton Triathlon reaches £50,000 fundraising target
The Clacton Triathlon is one of the few triathlons to take place on the open sea, in the surroundings of the beautiful Essex coastline. Inspired by friends with various brain and spine conditions, it has raised funds exclusively for the Brain and Spine Foundation since its inception in 1999 and this year, 2010, the total funds raised reached £50,000!
Clacton Triathlon is run by a core team of organisers and a nucleus of 45 volunteers, including the families and friends of those affected by brain and spine conditions, and 2010 was the 12th year since its inception.
"Mark Bosanquet-Bryant, our website manager and graphics designer is quadriplegic and just celebrated his silver wedding anniversary," explains John Kedge, the founder and organiser of the Triathlon.
"It is for him and our friends and associates in Clacton on Sea who have endured subarachnoid haemorrhage, strokes and spine cancer, some fatal, that we are motivated for the Clacton Triathlon."
"Various members of the Clacton Swimming Club have suffered from spine and brain related conditions over the last 25 years, and those who are no longer with us are a constant reminder and motivator for the club to organise the best weekend of events they can each year."
Fundraising exclusively for the Brain and Spine Foundation, the event has now raised over £50,000 over the years!
"Some years we have had good sponsorship, and others none at all, and surprisingly in 2009, with no sponsorship we donated our highest sum," says John. "Our target for 2010 was to achieve an overall total of £50,000."
A ceremonial cheque was presented to Events Fundraiser Sarah Himelfield on 25th September 2010 to mark this milestone.
The Clacton Triathlon is a professionally organised event, with online entries and the latest race timing system. It features top class events attracting triathletes from around the country.
This year, the Triathlon was on the 25th and 26th of September - a little later than usual, due to the times of the tides.
"The Triathlon is rather unique as it uses the sea and tides for the swims, says John. "It also includes junior events which count for the Eastern Region League."
"We have at the Holland Haven Country Park, Holland on Sea, an idyllic location by the sea, and the Standard event (Olympic and European distance) has the 10k run to the pier and back!"
Special thanks go to the people who make the event possible each year, as well as Tendring District Council: "We rely on our excellent relationship with the local Council whose Leisure Department give incredible support in many ways," says John.
"The organisers must be named for their dedication and they are Jonathan Martin, Simon and Nicky Kedge, Paul and Sharon Crawford, and myself who is the link with the Brain and Spine Foundation."
To be a part of this special event, you can join our team either as part of a relay team or as an individual. There are two distances - the sprint and the standard length and there is even a Children's Duathlon for mini athletes!
To take part, visit the Clacton Triathlon website at
www.clactontriathlon.co.uk
Motivation
"Mark Bosanquet-Bryant, our website manager and graphics designer is quadriplegic and just celebrated his silver wedding anniversary," explains John Kedge, the founder and organiser of the Triathlon.
"It is for him and our friends and associates in Clacton on Sea who have endured subarachnoid haemorrhage, strokes and spine cancer, some fatal, that we are motivated for the Clacton Triathlon."
"Various members of the Clacton Swimming Club have suffered from spine and brain related conditions over the last 25 years, and those who are no longer with us are a constant reminder and motivator for the club to organise the best weekend of events they can each year."
The £50,000 target
Fundraising exclusively for the Brain and Spine Foundation, the event has now raised over £50,000 over the years!
"Some years we have had good sponsorship, and others none at all, and surprisingly in 2009, with no sponsorship we donated our highest sum," says John. "Our target for 2010 was to achieve an overall total of £50,000."
A ceremonial cheque was presented to Events Fundraiser Sarah Himelfield on 25th September 2010 to mark this milestone.
What's special about the Triathlon
The Clacton Triathlon is a professionally organised event, with online entries and the latest race timing system. It features top class events attracting triathletes from around the country.
This year, the Triathlon was on the 25th and 26th of September - a little later than usual, due to the times of the tides.
"The Triathlon is rather unique as it uses the sea and tides for the swims, says John. "It also includes junior events which count for the Eastern Region League."
"We have at the Holland Haven Country Park, Holland on Sea, an idyllic location by the sea, and the Standard event (Olympic and European distance) has the 10k run to the pier and back!"
Special thanks
Special thanks go to the people who make the event possible each year, as well as Tendring District Council: "We rely on our excellent relationship with the local Council whose Leisure Department give incredible support in many ways," says John.
"The organisers must be named for their dedication and they are Jonathan Martin, Simon and Nicky Kedge, Paul and Sharon Crawford, and myself who is the link with the Brain and Spine Foundation."
Would you like to take part next time?
To be a part of this special event, you can join our team either as part of a relay team or as an individual. There are two distances - the sprint and the standard length and there is even a Children's Duathlon for mini athletes!
To take part, visit the Clacton Triathlon website at
www.clactontriathlon.co.uk
