Local Competitors Shape Up For The Next Taunton Deane Foot Anstey Aquathlon
Entries are now open for individuals and teams to compete in the popular Taunton Deane Foot Anstey Aquathlon to be held at Wellington Sports Centre on the 28 February 2010.
At the last event in February 2009 a record 250 competitors entered and some set new fastest times for the event, this year it is thought that there will be even more competitors, and new records to beat.
The event, sponsored by South West law firm Foot Anstey and organised by Somerset RC Tri Club and Tone Leisure, caters for all levels of fitness and stamina with competitors able to enter either the short or longer distance race. The short distance involves swimming 500m and running 5k and the longer race is a 1000m swim followed by a 10k run. To make it completely fair, individuals compete against others in the same age category which range from 14-15yrs (Youth) to 60+yrs (Vintage Veterans).
Particularly popular at this event is the corporate challenge, introduced two years ago to encourage involvement from South West businesses, schools, clubs and other organisations. To qualify, organisations need to have team entries in each category; male, female and mixed. Team entries can be accepted in both the long and the short distance.
David Turner, partner at Foot Anstey and regular competitor said; “The benefit of entering as a team means that the elements of the race can be split between different competitors working to their own strengths; if you are a good swimmer but not so good at running, you can find a partner who is a great runner. It’s always great as a spectator to see the grit and determination of those taking part, and the team spirit that is evoked.
“This annual Aquathlon is also a great way of working off the extra pounds put on over Christmas and some competitors use it to kick-start their training regime, or as a forerunner to the Foot Anstey Triathlon in May.”
At the 2009 Taunton Deane Aquathlon, both the short and long Corporate Challenge trophies were won by the teams of Queens College. Foot Anstey were second in the long course and The Moore Scarrott Partnership was second in the short course event. This year Foot Anstey hopes that their team may better their own performance;
David Turner said; “This year Foot Anstey will be entering teams in both distances, including lawyers from each of their four offices. We like to use this as a team building exercise and hope other organisations will do the same. It’s great fun and a good way to get fit.”
A new development this year is an online application process, allowing competitors to enter and pay online.
“The new online application system will make the whole process more streamlined for competitors” said Paul Lester of the Somerset RC Tri Club. “If it is a success we will roll the system out across all our events for 2010.”
With only a limited number of places available for the Aquathlon, competitors are encouraged to apply early to avoid disappointment.
For more information please visit the event website www.tauntondeanetri.co.uk or contact Clare Bill at Tone Leisure on 01823 273083.
Published 06/11/2009
