Big swim is added to Chichester's list of sporting challenges

ORGANISERS of the popular Chichester Triathlon and Junior Aquathon in July have added another attraction to the city's sporting calendar.

Plans have been revealed for the city’s first major open-water swim, called The Big Swim, to take place in August.

Amy Roots, sport development officer at Chichester District Council, said: “Chichester Triathlon and the Junior Aquathon regularly attract global interest and are major events in the district’s sporting calendar.

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“Now, we are very excited to be holding our first open water swim in Chichester.

“Swimming in open water is more of a challenge than swimming in a pool.

“It will be a tougher challenge, but a fun one against the clock or people can enter and do it for participation only as opposed to the competitive element.”

Competitors aged between eight and 16 will have the chance to take part in the Junior Aquathon on Saturday, July 16, while the Chichester Triathlon will take place the next day. The triathlon, sponsored by Natures Way Foods, consists of a 600m pool swim at Westgate Leisure, a 42km (26-mile) bike ride through Lavant, up South Harting Hill, through Compton, Funtington and back into Westgate Leisure, finishing with a 10km (six-mile) out-and-back flat run along Centurions Way.

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Alongside the main triathlon, there will be the Chichester Try a Tri event, a sprint triathlon suitable for competitors who prefer a shorter distance.

It involves a 400m pool swim, 30k bike ride and a 5k run.

Meranwhile, The Big Swim will take place on Sunday, August 21, at Chichester Watersports Centre at Westhampnett.

There are two distances – 750m and 1,500m. Races are chip timed and fully lifeguarded.

To enter all the above events visit www.chichester.gov.uk and for more information, contact Chichester District Council’s leisure and wellbeing team on 01243 534799 or email [email protected]

All the above events will be covered in the Observer.