The Accuro Jersey Triathlon will now be a virtual challenge to take place over three weeks from 1 July.
The event, which is now in its seventh year, usually attracts athletes from across the Channel Islands and further afield. However, travel restrictions and strict physical distancing requirements have forced organisers to change the triathlon’s format.
‘Naturally we are disappointed not to operate the full race format in 2020, we are very aware that many people have trained hard to date, and so we have given the event every opportunity to go ahead, but these are quite extraordinary times and so we have to adapt as best we can, so we can comply with all current safety restrictions that are in place.
‘We are really excited at the potential of the virtual challenge to be a focal point for our local triathlon and sporting community, especially during these difficult times,’ said Andrew Thomas, organiser of the triathlon.
‘There are a large number of people out there who are very active at the moment with very few events to participate in, and so we encourage and welcome everyone to join us for the virtual triathlon challenge and help fundraise for our local charities.’
The virtual triathlon challenge will be open to athletes of all abilities, including those with no previous experience. During the three-week period, participants can complete the three required disciplines – swim, bike and run – in any order, at any time and at any location. The event will also include a relay team option, a duathlon option and a full range of junior triathlon options.
All athletes will be asked to support the event’s three official charities by either donating at the point of entry or raising sponsorship funds. The three charities are Brightly, Alzheimer’s Jersey and Oscar MacLean Foundation.
The decision to go virtual has been welcomed by event sponsor Accuro Trust Jersey: ‘This opens the event to novice and seasoned athletes both on and off the Island of Jersey to test themselves and thereby enable important fundraising,’ said Paul Douglas, managing director of Accuro Trust Jersey.
‘We are delighted to be associated with this new formula as it is reflective of how Jersey is able to overcome adversity and use its ingenuity to enhance not only its own environment but that of others around the globe.’
Anyone who has already entered the Accuro Jersey Triathlon 2020 will have their entries carried over to the 2021 event, at no additional cost. The next event is scheduled to take place on Sunday 11 July 2021.
Entry for the Accuro Jersey Triathlon – Virtual Challenge costs just £5 per person and full details will be soon be available on jersey-triathlon.com.