Sunday 23rd April 2017 has been “reclaimed for sport” for Congleton’s first St. George’s Day Sprint Triathlon event, which will take place in Congleton Leisure Centre and Congleton Park. The aim of the event is to help the Mayor raise money for his chosen charity, East Cheshire Hospice as well as improving personal fitness levels and the feel good factor for entrants.
The triathlon consists of a 500m swim, followed by a 10km cycle, finishing with a 5km run. It is being led by Congleton Town Mayor Cllr David Brown, who until recently didn’t own a usable bike or a pair of trainers and has been training for the event.
Local people are encouraged to come along to the park to cheer on the competitors and support the event. Also taking part are councillors from the Town Council and Cheshire East Council, local business owners, community groups such as Active Cheshire and even our own Fiona Bruce MP, who is swimming as part of the Active Cheshire 
team. The event starts at 1.30pm in the pool. There will be a prize giving ceremony on the steps at Stock at the Pavilion who will also be putting on a BBQ on the day.
Spectators are asked to get into the spirit of St. George’s Day by dressing up in red and white, a dragon or a knight. They can also come as Shakespeare character from one of his books such as; The Merchant of Venice, A Midsummer Nights Dream and Romeo and Juliet- the 23rd April is both the birthday and the anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. There will be a parade of costumes, a small prize for all who dress up and prizes for the best costumes.
Local band Saltrox will be playing on the band stand, there will be a masseuse offering a mini massage to competitors and giving advice, PCSO Jessica Shore will be providing bike marking, so please bring along your bike, this will help improve its safety so if your bike is stolen, there is a better chance of it being returned. Ale Avenue will be popping up offering a small choice of locally brewed ales. The Danes, Congleton Cycling Club, Congleton Harriers and 230 (Congleton) Squadron ATC will be helping on the day.
We are also looking for resident feedback on cycling infrastructure improvements to the town including a cycling and walking country park. There will be a questionnaire to complete so if you want to see more safe cycling/ walking routes, come along and give your views. We need your help to make these cycling improvements in Congleton.
Details about the event will be published in and around the park, on social media and through the press. There will be marshals helping people cross over the cycle route. These restrictions will be in place between 1.30pm and 3.30pm.
For further details on the event, please contact Suzie Akers Smith on info@congletontriathlon.co.uk
