We've been asked lots of questions about the 'Kensal Rise Tri Team' so here are some answers to help you decide which of the events is right for you!
Q&A
I can't do Triathlon as I can't run any more (or hate swimming).
If you can't do one of the three legs of the event why not just do one in a Relay Team?
One of you can swim, one can cycle and the other will run.
I'm not fit and have little spare time - will I have to do loads of training?
No - you can do as little or as much as you like.
For example, if you just sign-up to do a 5.4km running Relay leg you can jog or even part-walk round.
I want to get fitter - what training opportunities are there?
Our mixed ability group(s) will be doing short runs, cycles to places like Regents Park and Richmond, and swimming in Hampstead Ponds and beautiful Denham Lake (pictured below last July).
Will I need lots of fancy kit?
No, you can buy fancy kit but there's no need.
For example, if you pick a swimming option, we will lend you a wet-suit if you can't get
hold of one.
You can use any type of bike (even a shopping bike); you'll just go faster the lighter it is.
We can also help you source/borrow one.
How much will it cost?
Local charities are offering to pay up to 60% of your entry cost if you agree to fundraise for them. Due to the impact of Covid over the past year many local charities need the funds more than ever.
So we are offering an entry fee of just £39 (it's usually £125 for the Sprint event!) if you agree to raise at least £100 for the charity.
I'm worried about fundraising and don't think I can raise £100
We know from past years that everyone raises the minimum amount and we will help you achieve that by creating a fundraising profile and promoting it.
However, it is also possible to enter the event with us and not fundraise. Entry is £125 (Sprint), £110 (Super Sprint) and £200 (Relay Team).
(The above may also suit people who have done lots of fundraising events and just would like to take part in our team).
How will the fundraising work?
Working with the charity you choose we will help you set up an online fundraising page and help you promote it. All the money will go direct to the charity's bank account.
What about Covid restrictions and what if the event is cancelled?
Limelight organise several of the top sporting events nationally and will ensure all safety requirements are met. If the event is cancelled you will be refunded the £39.
Are there children's events?
Yes! Have them enjoy the duathlon (run/cycle) fun and they can fundraise also if they'd like to. Details to follow.
If bringing the children, Blenheim Palace is also a fantastic place to bring a picnic as well as to cheer their parents on!
Who is taking part so far?
As of 18 June we have 178 people supporting 23 charities:
Ark Franklin
Ark Brunel
Brent Centre for Young People
Gift Your Neighbour
Malorees Infant & Junior School
Harlesden Mutual Aid Solidarity Fund
Cricklewood Library
Granville Community Kitchen
Laurence's Larder
North Paddington Foodbank
Sufra NW London
Willesden Mutual Aid Foodbank
Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre
We can add other local charities of your choice.
You can find the sponsorship pages here:
Can I bring a friend to take part?
Anyone is welcome.
When is cut-off?
We are placing ticket orders on 2 July (deadline extended!).
And the event is sold-out nationally - 8,000 people applied for 2,000 ballot places.
Sounds great - how do I sign-up?
Please fill out the very short form at www.bit.ly/KensalCharity
Call Giles on 07753 949 301 if you'd prefer to talk through the options.
We will also be offering some free and discounted group training sessions with supportive and very popular local personal trainers such as Lizzie Barker, Maciej Gross and Rachel Hosker!
To help you avoid injuries, click here to book a 45 min free 'strength and mobility" assessment with Maciej at his private gym in the Tay Building. (huge thanks to Maciej for offering this!)
Rachel Hosker (pictured) will also be offering her fun and lively Sunday "Boot Camps" for free, including a beginner session and an intermediate level one. These will take place in a few weeks time!
The terrific coaches at Swimming Nature at the Maqam Centre have again offered to do a free group coaching session for anyone nervous about the swim.
The very supportive Moberly Sports Centre will also very kindly offer our team members a 14 day pass to enjoy and make the most of their facilities, including their terrific gym and pool.
It's also easy to hook up with brilliant local clubs like Queens Park Harriers (running on Tues eve at Willesden Sports Centre and Sunday mornings locally), Willesden Tri Club as well as join the Gladstone Park Runs on Saturdays (hopefully returning in June).
Gareth's fun training video gives you a good flavour of how we approach the event!
More pics of us training are in this Kilburn Times article.
We will be able to highlight lots of training opportunities and lifts to swims via our team WhatsApp group.