Excitement mounts for Nuffield Salford Triathlon 2016 at MediaCityUK

Fitness fans across MediaCityUK and beyond are gearing up for the annual Nuffield Salford Triathlon, as it returns for its third year on Sunday, 31^stJuly 2016. The last few places remain open for entry, as over 800 have already signed up to the take on the exciting sporting challenge.

Nuffield Salford Triathlon, which has become one of the largest events of its kind in the North West, hopes to attract around 1,000 triathletes of all abilities. The fast, flat unique course takes its participants around iconic MediaCityUK sights including ITV’s Coronation Street, the Imperial War Museum North, the Lowry Theatre and the newest MediaCityUK development, Tomorrow Building.

James Whittaker, Peel Land and Property Group Development Director, said: “Nuffield Salford Triathlon is entered by experienced triathletes and first-timers alike, as it appeals to everyone. With distances ranging from sprint to standard, including the standard team relay option, there is definitely something for everybody. It’s a chance to get fit and take part in a great event, in the unparalleled setting that is MediaCityUK”.

The course features a 1,500 metre swim within the clean waters of Dock 9, a 40km bike ride and a 10km waterfront run.  The course is suitable for triathletes of all abilities while first-timers can opt to do the ‘sprint’ half-distance race.

Dock 9 has flourished as an open water swimming destination due to its safe, clean water and stunning backdrop with serious and leisure swimmers donning their wetsuits alongside Olympians Kerri Anne Payne and commentator Stephen Parry who have all swam in its waters in the past.

Last year, nearly 1,000 people competed in the event which is sponsored by Nuffield Health, Wardell Armstrong , Morson, Peel, Powerbar and USwim Open Water.
It is also supported by Triathlon England and MediaCityUK.

Below is an overview of the course:

• Swim: The swim takes place in Dock 9, MediaCityUK, a world class aquatics venue that currently hosts many open water swimming sessions and events such as the MediaCityUK Swim Series, the Great Manchester Swim, as well as historically the 2002 Commonwealth Games and the renowned Salford ITU Triathlons.   The water temperature will be around 18C.
• Bike: Once the swim is complete, the athletes mount their bikes on the MediaCityUK piazza and begin the six lap (three for sprint distance) 6.7km cycle leg. The course is flat and fast, along with some fantastic technical sections around MediaCityUK. The route travels through Trafford Park, alongside the ITV Coronation Street set, past the Imperial War Museum North and under the shadows of one of the most famous football grounds in the world, Old Trafford. Cyclists will take in views of the newest development at MediaCityUK, the Tomorrow building, as they loop back in to the transition zone in the piazza.
• Run: Runners (10k standard / 5k sprint) will travel along the Quays, passing Mariners Canal, Dock 9 and crossing the Lowry footbridge. After a skirt along the Trafford side of the Quays, the runners come back over the Lowry footbridge, past Dock 9 and into MediaCityUK.

To sign up for the MediaCityUK Triathlon go to: http://www.salfordtriathlon.com/race-entry