Triathlon excitement and the exhaustion!

THE swim section of the Milltown Sprint Triathlon

THE exciting Milltown to Moors Sprint Triathlon is returning to Saddleworth and residents are being invited to watch the race action unfold.

Taking place on Sunday, the second annual Sprint Triathlon will feature a 400m swim, gruelling 20km cycle and thrilling 5km run to the finish line.

Families can attend and support the 250 who will be taking on the challenge, which will include regional athletes, local triathletes and fundraisers aiming to raise money for worthy charities.

Winner of last year’s triathlon, Martyn Caine, will be aiming to take the title for a second year in a row while a team of bus drivers will take on the challenge as a relay team.

Challenges

Local hero Jo Taylor, who is taking part in a year of challenges for The Christie, has also enlisted a team to take on the Sprint Triathlon and raise money for the charity.

Jo, from Saddleworth, was diagnosed with secondary incurable breast cancer and is undergoing treatment at The Christie every three weeks but hopes to be able to help marshall the event on the day.

Race organiser Alan Keane, from Oldham Community Leisure, said: “The second Sprint Triathlon promises to be a fun-filled day for the whole family.

“As well as all the live action on the course, there will be refreshments on offer and you can visit some of Saddleworth’s prettiest villages while supporting participants as they push themselves to the limit in Milltown to Moors’ most challenging event.”

Viewing points include Saddleworth Pool & Leisure Centre for the intense swim and various spots along the 20km cycle route, which takes the scenic route from Uppermill to Diggle, Delph, Scouthead, Austerlands, Lees, Grotton, Lydgate and Grasscroft before returning to Uppermill.

The event concludes with a 5km run down the Pennine Bridleway to Chew Valley Road in Greenfield, before taking on the steepest part of the course via Kinders, Haw Clough, and Knowl Top Lane under the iconic Pots and Pans.

The competitors will then return back to Saddleworth Sports Centre via Church Road to cross the finish line.

For more information visit www.milltownraces.co.uk/sprint-triathlon-24-april-2016