Olympic City to host world’s largest triathlon

The Mazda London Triathlon is set to take the capital by storm at London’s Docklands this weekend with a record number of competitors (14,500) battling it out in the swim-bike-run event, reinforcing triathlon’s position as the fastest growing mass participation sport in the world. Triathletes from all over the world, consisting of elite athletes, celebrities, experienced and first-time participants, will be competing at this multi-discipline event to provide 55,000 spectators with the chance to watch an Olympic sport live.

The 2009 Mazda London Triathlon has attracted a strong international elite field once more with the likes of Hendrick de Villiers and Jenna Shoemaker as well as past British winners Tim Don, Stuart Hayes and Jodie Swallow all confirmed to compete this year in what is to be the final event of the British Triathlon Super Series.

Jenson Button’s participation in Sunday’s Olympic distance race along the Westminster route will be another star attraction at this year’s Mazda London Triathlon. Spectators will witness the Formula 1 driver take on 18 year old MotoGP rider Bradley Smith, who challenged Button after the 2009 Formula 1 Championship leader’s fellow F1 driver, Lewis Hamilton, withdrew from Button’s original triathlon challenge.

Jenson Button commented: "I have been taking part in triathlons over the past couple of years as a way of keeping fit for my racing. This year I am aiming to finish in the top 10 percent of the London Triathlon, so no pressure!”

Button, who is competing in aid of Make-A-Wish Foundation, added, “I have had the pleasure of meeting lots of kids who are supported by the charity at our tests and races. These children are so inspirational and hopefully we can raise enough money to grant as many of their wishes as possible, whether that be to spend the day at a race track, to meet a favourite celebrity or just to take a trip away for some quality time with their families."

Nick Rusling, Managing Director for race organiser IMG Mass Participation Sports, said: ““The Mazda London Triathlon is still the world’s largest triathlon event and we are delighted to be hosting the likes of Jenson Button and Bradley Smith this year alongside thousands of first timers and many elites from all over the world. Something I love about the event is watching so many people compete over the three disciplines with most of them finishing with a magical smile on their faces. It is quite a spectacle and a great opportunity for spectators to come down and see an Olympic sport being enjoyed by thousands of people of all abilities as the London 2012 Olympics draws ever nearer.”

WaterAid and Macmillan Cancer Research are the official charities of the 2009 Mazda London Triathlon. The event is expected to raise over £3 million for all charities involved.

London Triathlon title sponsor Mazda has supported the event for two consecutive years, through funding and by entering its own 45-strong team ranging from directors to dealer staff. The 2009 team includes Sales and Marketing Director Mark Cameron, who is undertaking his second Sprint distance at London.

“At Mazda we are working hard to increase awareness of and participation in triathlon, therefore we feel it’s important for our staff to have the opportunity to experience the excitement of the sport for themselves,” explains Mark Cameron.

“The Mazda London Triathlon is a fantastic event, not least because it attracts people of all ages and abilities, from novices like me to some of the best elite triathletes in the world,” Mark continues. “I’m really looking forward to racing this weekend and to celebrating with other competitors on the finish line. Best of luck to everyone taking part.”

In addition to watching great sporting action, spectators can kit themselves out with the latest gear when visiting the free retail exhibition inside the ExCeL building. For further information, visit thelondontriathlon.co.uk