Sprint triathlon bounces back thanks to Shropshire Council grant award

Help from Shropshire Council’s Wider Economic Recovery Fund has enabled a social enterprise to save its annual sports competition which attracts participants from all over the UK.

After 23 years, the Ludlow Sprint Triathlon – which normally attracts around 400 competitors – had to be cancelled in 2020 because of the pandemic.

It was also doubtful that it would go ahead in 2021. To be granted a ‘Covid safe’ race permit by British Triathlon, entries had to be restricted which curtailed the potential income that could be generated from the event.

Lee Hassan, general manager of Teme Leisure, said:

Teme Leisure was delighted to be awarded an Economic Recovery Grant.  This vital grant money enabled us to go ahead. Without it the event would not have been financially viable.

The Ludlow Sprint Triathlon welcomes athletes to Ludlow from all over the UK so it’s a great advert for the town. It also boosts the local economy because competitors take the opportunity to visit its cafes and shops, and iconic castle.

In total 234 athletes signed up for the event this year and an enthusiastic 182 athletes took part on the day. Our youngest competitor was just 17 and our oldest was in their 80s, so it just proves it’s an event that appeals to everyone.

This year’s oldest participant, Bryan Markham

The grant money was used for important infrastructure purchases like crowd barriers and a PA system that will support not only this event, but a range of activities that Teme Leisure organise to get the local community involved in sport and exercise, and to promote health and wellbeing.

Whilst Teme Leisure were extremely grateful to receive the grant Lee was also keen to thank the other local sports clubs in the area.

He said:

The larger events we organise would not be possible without the support of Ludlow Running Club, Ludlow Cycling Club, Teme Leisure Triathlon Club and other members of the community that volunteer their time to marshal the events.

Thanks to them and the grant, we can now look forward to next year’s Ludlow Sprint Triathlon in September 2022.

Competitor Ros Booth