For many age-groupers, the 2016 ITU Leeds Triathlon failed to live up to expectation, with organisational issues causing chaos across the course and many athletes demanding refunds for a disappointing race experience.
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In light of this, Leeds’ organisers British Triathlon and Ironman have created the Leeds Fund Programme – a £40,000 pot that will be distributed among British triathlon clubs who had competitors competing at the race.
In a statement, the organisers said: “The aim was to provide an amazing race experience where triathletes of all levels and abilities could race from Roundhay Park through the streets of Leeds to a packed city centre. However this was not achieved for all age-group competitors.
“The Ironman Foundation is donating £40,000 of charitable funds to Home Nation and Ironman affiliated clubs who had members compete in the June event. We anticipate that applications will focus on improving club’s infrastructure in areas such as training for coaches and officials, supporting volunteers, along with attracting and supporting new club members.”
All participants who took part in 2016’s Sunday event have also been offered priority entry for the 2017 event, plus £25 off the entry price or £50 off several Ironman and Ironman 70.3 races, although the discounted entry offer has since expired.
The BTF have said that applications will be assessed against the following priority criteria:
• The award will help a club increase its capacity to deliver more triathlon activity.
• The application is supported by a significant number of competitors from the Leeds event in 2016.
• Evidence that the award will increase the triathlon volunteer community.
• The award will be used to increase regular participation amongst existing and potential new triathlon participants.
• The award will be used for the development of GO TRI events or training in partnership with other local community sessions or events.
• The award is part of an ongoing commitment to the development of a triathlon club.
• The club is affiliated to a Home Nation Association or Ironman’s club affiliation scheme.