Mazda London Triathlon

WaterAid is thrilled to be Official Gold Charity of the Mazda London Triathlon!

Take part in the 2009 London Triathlon for WaterAid!

WaterAid has 105 charity place and 35 own place participants taking part in this year's triathlon. While registration has closed for charity places we would still love to have more own place participants on our team.

In return we will provide you with regular support including training advice, fundraising ideas and lots of cheering on the day. To find out more please contact us on events@wateraid.org or 0845 6000 433, or register online.

Millions of people around the world face a daily challenge when collecting water. Every step you take with WaterAid can bring them closer to safe water and a better quality of life.

The 2009 Mazda London Triathlon will take place over the weekend of the 1-2 August. With over 8,000 people expected to take part the event is now the largest triathlon in the world - an experience not to be missed!

In August 2008 we had a fantastic group of 50 people taking part in the event, raising over £30,000 for WaterAid.

We need your help to build our biggest triathlon team yet!

In return for your efforts, we will give you all the support you need to make sure you cross the finish line with a huge smile!

Don't worry if you have never completed a triathlon before as around half the participants will be newcomers to the sport, competing alongside the world class sporting heroes who take part every year.

About the triathlon

A triathlon is a challenge event comprised of three parts - a swim, cycle and run. There are three categories that you can compete in, which consist of different distances:

Super Sprint Distance - 400m swim / 10km bike / 2.5km run on Saturday 1 August 2009
Sprint Distance - 750m / 20km / 5km on Saturday 1 August 2009
Olympic Distance - 1500m / 40km / 10km on Sunday 2 August 2009
Team Racing - will take place on Saturday 1 August 2009

The 2009 Mazda London Triathlon takes place at London's ExCel centre in Victoria Dock. Part of the course, for people taking part in the Olympic distance, weaves past some of the city's most famous landmarks, including Tower Bridge, the London Eye and Big Ben.

Check out this very funny viral video from the Mazda London Triathlon website for ideas on training in the office (opens in a new window)

What you'll receive as part of the WaterAid team

In return for your dedication and commitment to the triathlon, WaterAid will be there to support you every step of the way.

WaterAid runners receive:

An online sponsorship page
A dedicated monthly WaterAid team newsletter including tips on training and nutrition, fundraising advice and stories from other triathletes
A thorough fundraising information pack
Access to our online fundraising resources, featuring an array of fundraising ideas and support materials
Continuous advice and support from WaterAid's experienced events team
A coveted WaterAid running vest
Fantastic support on the day, with a WaterAid cheering point at a crucial stage along the course to give you a much-needed boost!

Previous WaterAid triathletes spill the beans

Beverley Wall, WaterAid's Events Executive, took part in the 2008 Triathlon. Here is her account of the day:

A tired but euphoric Bev Wall crosses the finish line.

Credit: WaterAid / Charlotte Biddle

"As a member of WaterAid's events team I took on the challenge to truly appreciate what our supporters do for WaterAid's cause. And what champions you are! Such motivation and determination is needed to prepare but the rewards make it all worthwhile.

"Having never been a runner or a cyclist I had a busy few months in training. Hungry for information and training partners I joined my local triathlon club which became invaluable leaving me totally prepared for the challenge that lay ahead. Over the early summer months I was transformed from an unfit Events Executive to a sprint distance triathlete!

"On the day the nerves were intense and the rain fell, but the atmosphere and the sportsmanship of the competitors made up for it. I had a strong start coming 6th in my wave of the swim but slowed up with the wet roads for the cycle, by the time I came to the run I couldn't feel my legs but I soldiered through finishing in 1hr 36min 25secs, beating my personal target!

"Top tips: Train the mind as well as the body, join your local triathlon club, make sure you know the route and the surfaces."

Arian Saunders, from Team BlackBerry, shares his triathlon experience:

"What happens when you do not attend a committee meeting as chairperson and a representative from WaterAid does? Yes, you get volunteered to enter into a triathlon! The good news for me was that it was the cycling leg of the team event but it was still the Olympic distance.

"Two weeks before the event our swimmer had to withdraw through injury so Jackie Harley saved the day and volunteered to step in. On the day it was extremely warm and very busy at the ExCel Centre but Team BlackBerry was keen and raring to go. Jackie started with the swim, followed by me in the bike with Alan Giles boldly doing the run. A deserved refreshment at the end went down very well, with us all saying we have set the benchmark for next year's entry. So watch this space for an even speedier Team BlackBerry next year!"

Congratulations to all of our 2008 triathletes who completed this year's London Triathlon! Thank you from all of us at WaterAid.

You can view pictures from the 2008 event on Flickr (opens in a new window)
Please contact us for permission to use these photos for anything other than personal use.