Women’s Tri gets new sponsor

Jules Taylor and Alistair Sowman at the official launch of the Jules Taylor

Marlborough Women’s Triathlon

The revamped Women’s Triathlon was officially launched yesterday by Mayor Alistair Sowman and enthusiastic new sponsor Jules Taylor.

The Jules Taylor Marlborough Women’s Triathlon will be held on 1 December this year, based as usual at Stadium 2000.

“I’m in,” said Jules Taylor, who has committed her company to supporting the triathlon.

“One of the things about Jules Taylor Wines is that we’re happily, actually quite stubbornly, proud of being from Marlborough so it makes sense for us to get behind a local event like this,” said Jules.

Jules completed the Marlborough ½ Marathon in December last year, and believes most women could give the triathlon a go and have fun finishing it.

“It’s not just for elite athletes.  It’s a perfect first-timers event because it’s not too long and there’s a really friendly atmosphere,” she said.

Mayor Alistair Sowman said he was pleased to see the event back on this year’s sporting calendar.

“Council is pleased to support the Women’s Tri again.  The event has been going since 1983 and it has a great following.  I’m sure plenty of women will come back this year and give it another go,” he said.

Due to the building of the new pool complex at Stadium 2000, the event became a duathlon for a few years, with just cycling and running sections.  This year the revamped event will have exclusive access to the new pools for the morning of the race.

Race organisers Mark Grammer and Lance Spencer say they have attempted to keep the unique aspects of the event which have made it so popular in previous years, while giving it a new lease on life.

“It’s great to be back in the pool, and we will still arrange the race as a bike, run, swim, which is pretty unusual for a triathlon these days,” said Mark.  “Lance and I can plan for a safe, enjoyable event but we’re not the ones to say what will make it special for women.  Fortunately we have Jules and her team, plus an advisory group of other interested women to give us plenty of ideas.

“Watch out for more details as we get closer to race day,” he said.

Announcements to come will include a website, on-line entries, Facebook page, pre and post-race social events, giveaways and prizes, along with the naming of an elite, Olympian entrant.

For more information contact Mark on mark@marlboroughsport.co.nz