Sunderland Schools Take On Swim, Bike, Run

School children across Sunderland have been getting ready for the AJ Bell 2023 World Triathlon Championship Series Sunderland by taking part in a triathlon of their own.

The Active Sunderland Schools Triathlon, which was hosted at Silksworth Community Pool, Tennis and Wellness Centre, provided over 220 school children from 18 primary and 10 secondary schools the opportunity to take part in swim, bike, run related activities.

After completing the timed events, the winning schools and individuals were presented with medals and trophies by the Deputy Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Allison Chisnall.

One of the teachers involved in the event, Mr Ashton, is very familiar with triathlon having competed at the European and World Championships as an Age-Group athlete just last year.

He said: "Triathlon is an amazing sport that poses a reachable challenge for anyone who takes part. It provides a fun and exciting opportunity to take part in a new sport that promotes healthy living through exercise. The School's Triathlon is a superb event where children across the city will get to experience swim, bike and run for the first time.

"Watching the grit in the children's faces in the heat of the moment to the smiles and sense of accomplishment when they have finished is fantastic and a feeling many of them will remember for a long time. Hopefully it will also inspire some children to have a go at the Sunderland Triathlon in July or get involved in one of the fantastic clubs we have in the North East."

The competition, which was ran in partnership between British Triathlon and Sunderland City Council, comes as the city prepares to host the AJ Bell 2023 World Triathlon Championship Series Sunderland on 29-30 July. As well as having the chance to watch some of the world’s best triathletes in action, people can take part in their own triathlon in either the The Big Swim, Bike, Run or The Swim, Bike, Run, Mini.

Sunderland City Council's Cabinet Member for Vibrant City, Councillor John Price, said: "I'm delighted to see the return of the Active Sunderland Schools Triathlon, especially as the city is gearing up to host the AJ Bell 2023 World Triathlon Championship Series over the weekend of 29 and 30 July. It's wonderful to see so many young people taking part and I hope it will inspire more people to join in with our swim, bike run programme."

Samantha Allen, British Triathlon’s Head of Major Events and Event Director of AJ Bell 2023 World Triathlon Championship Series Sunderland, said: “It’s amazing to see so many young people in Sunderland taking part in swim, bike, run and more importantly having fun while they are doing it.

“We’re really looking forward to continuing to work with Sunderland City Council to make sure we make triathlon accessible to as many people in the city as possible and make the AJ Bell 2023 World Triathlon Championship Series Sunderland a fantastic event that everyone can enjoy.”

To learn more about the AJ Bell 2023 World Triathlon Championship Series Sunderland click here.