Become a part of the triathlon club!

Local people are being encouraged to try triathlon – one of the fastest growing sports in the country.

This could be anything from swimming, cycling or running and while it may be a little daunting for newcomers, it can offer huge health benefits as well as taking in breathtaking views along the way.  

Team TriGuru triathlon club, based in the Saddleworth and Tameside, is a friendly and active group both for beginners and the most experienced triathletes. 

The organisation currently has 80 members, which organisers say is relatively small in size, but describe themselves as ‘punching above our weight’, in terms of its successes when compared to some of the bigger clubs. 

Michael Reeves, from the club, said: “Our ethos, which is very important to us, is that we are very inclusive. We support members at all stages of their triathlon journey and all levels of their aspirations, whether it is just to have some fun and stay fit, or just enjoy the social activities, we have a social membership option as well, all the way through to multiple Ironman competitions!  

“The combined experience of our members is amazing – whilst we would very much emphasise our approach is one of enjoying the sport, it's not all about winning, we do have at least ten Great Britain qualifiers amongst us, which is amazing for the size of the club, and it is a massive source of experience and inspiration if you are just starting out! 

“We have our own high quality designed kit, which we have manufactured for us to order by Manchester based Lusso and we have great internal communication – Whatsapp groups for all members, race results, a “Vinted” site for second hand gear for sale within the club, and of course our own social media via Instagram.” 

The club’s average weekly training includes sessions in three pool swims, of which two are coached, and two run sessions. 

Saturday group ride approximately takes three hours with groups catering for advanced, intermediate, and beginners, with a friendly meet up at the finish. 

They take part in regular cycle track events at Ashton circuit and longer road, or trail runs on a Saturday or Sunday. 

On top of this, there are always lots of informal groups training together each week for strength and fitness, open water swimming during Spring and Summer, Zwift indoor cycling events during winter to name but a few. 

If that were not enough, some of the exciting events and activities the club has been involved in this year include:  

- 20 members entered the Postal Swim, a 1-hour distance pool swimming challenge 

- Ski trip in Italy in January  

- Delamere Forest 10k and half marathon trail run ( six age group winners) 

- Meltham 10k (age group winners) 

- Firefighters duathlon 

- 22 members attended a seven day Majorca training camp in April 

- Abu Dhabi Duathlon (2nd in age group) 

- Lakes 23k trail run 

- Dan Lee trail run race (1st in age group) 

- Peak District Ultra marathon and much more 

At the end of the season in November, the World Championship Ironman 70.3 race take place in Marbella. Now, they have five members who have qualified for this event. 

There will also be countless other events for members to participate in along the way, whether their aim is to get an age group place or just complete it! 

Anyone who wants to get involved should email Martin Cain, who runs the club, at cainmf@msn.com.