The world’s toughest extreme triathlon, The X, is teaming up with Lake District open water swimming experts Swim the Lakes.
The Ambleside-based firm, which runs guided adventure swims and training courses as well as selling specialist equipment, will be based at race headquarters at YHA Ambleside for the event in June.
Pete Kelly of Swim the Lakes with comedian Ed Byrne swimming in Ullswater
They plan to hold swim events in Windermere alongside the triathlon, working with wetsuit specialists BlueSeventy who are also sponsoring the race.
Director Pete Kelly said: “Swim the Lakes is really excited to be involved in this flagship event which is bringing elite athletes to our area from all over the world. We have worked with the race organisers when this event was staged at Wasdale, but it is great to see it now being hosted on our home territory.”
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.
Swim the Lakes 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. Also on board as partners are Romneys Kendal Mint Cake, and Keswick-based Mountain Fuel who will be at race HQ with a stall and nutrition advice.
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: “Swim the Lakes have supported all our events and we know that they are the experts in organising the best experiences for open water swimmers, as well as being water safety experts. It’s great to have them join our team this summer for The X.”
A few places remain for the event and entry forms can be found at http://www.triathlonx.co.uk
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