Big Thanks!

Welsh Triathlon delivered a Duathlon in Pembrey Country Park today as one of three Test Events permitted by the Welsh Government in its phased return to mass events to assist in its support of the Welsh Economy. 

The Duathlon was limited to 100 participants and was run to strict social distancing rules from the minute participants and volunteers arrive on-site and parked, to the minute they drove away.  The Welsh Triathlon team were worried that this new feel delivery of multisport would take something away from the participant's experience but this proved not to be the case.  Some athletes loved the extra space in transition, others said the lack of spectators was more than made up by the spirit of the excellent volunteers around the course – yes, we had cowbells!

Most importantly the participants were superb in maintaining social distancing, in the wide spaces in the car park to the holding pen and start funnel.  They chatted to each other across the new normal spacing as if it had always been so.  The start was a time trial format with everyone leaving the holding pen in 5-second intervals.  This ensured space out on the 10m wide run course and continued throughout the event, with safe overtaking on the Pembrey Cycle circuit, and the final run to finish. 

Beverley Lewis CEO Welsh Triathlon said ‘I have nothing but praise for my staff and volunteer team who delivered such a successful day; keeping a Covid-19 Secure venue at all times.  Carmarthenshire CC staff and Pembrey Country Park team ensured we had a secure, well prepared venue and were fantastic support before the event and on the day.  All the volunteers were excellent and in turn, participants, who were themselves model customers, reported feeling safe and delighted to be back racing’