THREE REASONS WHY NOW IS THE BEST TIME TO GET INTO OFF-ROAD TRIATHLON
Author: Woolworths
Triathlon is notoriously intimidating to get into. It is one sport that is really three and requires a daunting amount of gear, training and nutrition.
Throw some off-road trails into the mix and it can be downright off-putting, even if you are an accomplished single-discipline, off-road athlete.
Those days are in the past! There has never been a better time to get into off-road triathlon, or, if you have taken part in a multi-discipline event before, to step it up and reignite that passion. The reason is that Woolworths X TRI is going national.
After 12 years as an annual event in the Western Cape to raise funds for the Woolworths Trust, venues in Gauteng and KZN have been added to provide a mass participation swim, bike, run (and walk) platform that is open to athletes and enthusiasts of all fitness and skill levels.
“The goal is to extend the reach of the event to more people across the country,” says Zinzi Mgolodela, of the Woolworths Trust, explaining that the motivation behind taking the events national is multi-faceted: To motivate more people to get outside and to raise funds for the Woolworths Trust. “Woolworths wants to encourage general wellness through a set of events which promote accessible outdoor activity through races that require beginner through to intermediate fitness levels,” she said.
According to Mgolodela, the foundation of the event series is still grounded in raising funds for The Woolworths Trust “The Woolworths Trust launched the X TRI events in 2009 as positive way of raising funds to support of our efforts in making a difference in our communities. Woolworths, through the Woolworths Trust, seeks to contribute in addressing the socio-economic challenges facing our communities by supporting projects and programmes that improve food security and uplift education,” she said.
1. It’s for a good cause
The Woolworths Trust is a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) that was formed in 2003 and has been making a meaningful difference in South Africa ever since. The Trust is a collaborative effort and works in partnership with various organisations, to make a difference in local communities by funding programmes that improve food security, reduce child vulnerability and uplift education. The annual Western Cape X TRI event was always done in aid of the Woolworths Trust so now, by spreading the events geographically, more people would be able to help raise funds while having a great day out in the outdoors.
2. There is a category for everyone
Newbie, weekend-warrior or elite, there is a category catering for all fitness and technical skill levels. You can also enter as a team and get into the vibe by tackling one discipline with your mates.
The X TRI Full is technical and tough and aimed at serious amateurs and elite athletes. It features a 1000m Open Water Swim, 27Km Technical Mountain Bike and 12Km Trail Run.
For the slightly less serious, the X TRI LITE comprises a 400m Open Water Swim, 12Km Jeep Track Mountain Bike and 5 km off-road run.
Both the X TRI Full and Lite can be done on a team of either two or three people, which opens the event to swimmers, cyclists and runners.
For those just looking for a nice day in the outdoors with family, there are two options: The RUN FOR FUN, which is a 5km off-road run (that can also be walked) and the WALK FOR GOOD — a 3km nature walk suitable for all ages.
3. Free access to coaching and training plans
Perhaps one of the most intimidating aspects of getting into triathlon is the training. How do you balance the three disciplines? How do you play to your strengths while developing your weaknesses? How much, when and how should you train?
There are a myriad of training plans available online but how do you know whom to trust? Fortunately, Woolworths has teamed up with three of South Africa’s most respected multi-discipline coaches to offer every participant free training plans and coaching consultations. Vicky Van Der Merwe of Stellenbosch Triathlon Squad, Jaryd Browne, founder of the PEaK Team and Embark Triathlon’s Steve Attwell will help you prepare and get the most out of your swim, MTB and trail run experience.
They each have their unique styles and philosophies and all you have to do is head over to the website to read more about each of them and then sign-up via the online platform. This will give
you access to a free training programme (T’s & C’s apply), access to group training sessions and a pre-event training day where you will be taught several useful tips and tricks.
Enter Now
The three events kick off at Buffelspoort in Gauteng on the 25th of September, before heading to the beautiful Karkloof Valley in KZN on the 30th of October and finishing off the year at the beautiful Paul Cluver Estate in Cape Town on 4 December. Enter now at https://www.wwxtri.co.za.
