A Kendal mint cake firm which was badly hit by the December floods is to plunge back into the water as a supporter of the Windermere-based Triathlon x.
George Romney Ltd, whose factory on Mintsfeet Industrial Estate was flooded before Christmas, will supply packs of mint cake for some 300 athletes from around the world at the event in June.
Competitors in the race, the world’s toughest extreme triathlon, will swim two miles in Windermere, before cycling the 112 miles on the “Fred Whitton” route, and then running a mountain marathon of 26 miles to the top of Scafell Pike and back.
John Barron, Managing Director of George Romney Ltd, said: “We know that our mint cake has provided sustenance for endurance athletes for many years, and they don’t come any tougher than these. We are more than happy to support this event and hope it also raises awareness that the Lake District is most definitely back in business”.
Romney’s mint cake was sent to celebrities before Christmas in a bid to tell the world that Kendal was still open for business after the floods. The stars – including a number of West End actors – then posted selfies on social media with the mint cake.
Romney’s join other sponsors of The X, including Lakeland UK and Heart of the Lakes (who are each providing £1000 prize money for the first man and first woman); BlueSeventy, the world’s leading wetsuit company who are offering vouchers for the veteran category winners; and Hawkshead Relish who are providing hampers for the winning teams.
The X is supported by YHA England and Wales, and a percentage of each entry fee is going to the YHA’s bursary fund, Breaks for Kids, which provides adventure holidays for disadvantaged children.
Race director Mark Blackburn said: “Kendal mint cake is known the world over by people taking part in endurance events. We are really pleased that Romney’s are joining us, and generously giving their products to our athletes.”
A few places remain for the event and entry forms can be found at http://www.triathlonx.co.uk
Race HQ at YHA Ambleside. Photo by Steve Ashworth, Lake District Images
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