News

Chronicle charity to launch new fundraiser

31 July 2008

Triple the fun

BUDDING athletes from across the region are training hard and putting their fitness to the test in a bid to raise cash for charity. Each year hundreds of people put on their best running shoes for the Chronicle’s Sunshine Run.

This August the Chronicle’s charity The Sunshine Fund will be going one step further, by launching its own triathlon to raise money for disabled youngsters. Supporting the event on August 17 at 8pm at Ponteland Leisure Centre is Olympic triple jump gold medallist and local hero Jonathan Edwards. It’s all the brainchild of Newcastle-based fitness trainer, Gary Nash. He said: “I used to represent the army and Great Britain in the triathlon, but noticed there wasn’t a charity-based triathlon up in the North East. The Sunshine Fund decided to lead the way and make an event that would not only raise funds for a well deserved charity but also give local people an opportunity to try this style of event.”

The triathlon will consist of a 400m swim, immediately followed by a 20km cycle and will finish with a 5km run. The teams of three must complete the triathlon like a relay – one member swims, one cycles and the other runs.

Catherine Ashcroft, who is running for the Angels of the North team, said: “The fact that it’s a team event is a real incentive. It means that the pressure isn’t all on you. Each part of the triathlon isn’t too far, so it’s achievable. People think ‘I could do that’. Plus, it’s more fun as a team event.” Catherine has first hand experience of the benefits of the Sunshine Fund, she said: “I work with disabled children, so it’s just nice to be able to help. And we’re not competitive, we’re just going to have fun.”

You can take part no matter what your experience or ability. For Catherine and her two team mates, this will be their first attempt at a triathlon.

Gary Nash said: “I like the fact that this event is open to all so it will attract people that may not have done one before but want to have a go.”
He urges people to give it a try: “The North East has such a blemish with regards to health and fitness. Having worked in the fitness industry here for the last 10 years, though, I know that Geordies are of a ‘work hard, train hard’ culture and love to push themselves. They can go out and do events like this.”

If you’d like to sign up there’s still time to apply. The deadline for applications is on August 8. The entry fee is £20 or £30 for a team of three (or £10 per team member). Details are online at eveningchronicle sunshinefund.org. Call (0191) 201 6090 to receive a form by post.

And if you have any queries about the event or training for it, contact Gary at www.getfitoutside.co.uk

So put your best foot forward and join other budding athletes in helping to raise money for local kids that really need our help


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