Two Hampton Ladies Triathlon 2020 participants (Image: submitted)
The Hampton Ladies Triathlon is back for its thirteenth year with participants once again competing in a 400m swim, 20k bike ride and 5k run.
“Probably 80 per cent of the ladies that we get taking part every year, it’s their first ever triathlon,” says race organizer, Garth Miller. “It’s quite friendly and welcoming and supportive and a really nice community feel around the event.”
At its peak in 2019, over 300 women participated in the triathlon. Attendees have ranged from age 15 to 80 with a spectrum of experience, from newcomers to experienced Ironman athletes.
“We’ve had mother and daughter combinations racing together, which is incredible to see,” he said. “It gets kind of emotional actually at the finish line when you see a daughter who’s finished and they’re waiting for their mother to cross the finish line.”
This year 100 women will participate in the Hampton Ladies Triathlon scheduled for Saturday at 8AM.
The event is supported by over 50 volunteers and has several local sponsors.
The triathlon is continuing to ask athletes to wear masks when not racing, and in and around the start and finish lines and to socially distance when possible.
“A big part of our job is settling the nerves of the athletes because we do have so many newcomers to the event,” said Miller. “We spend a lot of time just talking to the athletes, whether it’s on email or Facebook or on the phone, and helping them understand that however nervous they may feel, they’re going to be absolutely fine on race day and it will be an enjoyable, memorable experience.”
Anyone interested in learning more about The Hampton Ladies Triathlon can check their Facebook page.
