Triathlon come and try on course

DO you have an interest in triathlon but don’t know where to start?

Members of the Ballarat Triathlon Club will soon host an eight-week group training program set to give the basics behind the multi-faceted sport.

BTC president Louise Williams said the aim is to get more people interested in the sport.

“We want to increase participation in triathlon,” she said. “This sort of group training is something that members and people in the community have been looking for.

“Since COVID hit, the group hasn’t been able to get any group training in, so we want to reintroduce this, to show people what triathlon’s about and see if it leads into them wanting to go further.

“Other options will be available after the eight weeks.”

Starting on Monday 2 October, the program will lead into the first race in the club’s 2023/24 championship series held at Lake Esmond on Sunday 19 November.

Each week is set to entail swimming on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre, as well as runs and a bike ride near The Lake View Hotel on Tuesdays and Fridays, and Thursday respectively.

Williams said there are many benefits to becoming part of BTC.

“The new brand for Triathlon Australia is find your unstoppable,” she said. “It’s all about you doing an event and seeing where you’ve improved and what you can work on.

“We’re a friendly bunch and everything’s a learning opportunity. When it comes to our Lake Esmond events, there’s no first, second, and thirds, it’s very casual.

“Getting people back into sport has been difficult. Our memberships dropped a bit after COVID so this is also about reinvigorating the club and connecting with people.”

Participants in the eight-week training must be over 16 years old and will either need to be members of Triathlon Australia or purchase a $25 come and try fee which also goes towards the initial joining cost.