Get moving Thursday September 5, Kent, UK
The name “marathon” comes from the legend of Pheidippides, a Greek messenger. The legend states that he was sent from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens to announce that the Persians had been defeated in The Battle of Marathon. It’s said that he ran the entire distance without stopping and burst into the assembly screaming “we won!” before he collapsed and died.
July 27-29, London, UK Virgin Active London Triathlon Held at the peak of the British summertime and known to some as the world’s largest and most iconic triathlon. A record number of participants are expected this year so that’s why it’s a good idea to sign up soon! A triathlon involves swimming, cycling and running in immediate succession and this triathlon is open to individuals of all abili ties, both beginners and longtime tri-athletes. The distances range from “Super Sprint all the way” up to “Olympic Plus” also featuring team relay options. To register go to www.thelondontriathlon.co.uk
August 31, Copenha gen, Denmark Swimming in Christiansborg Canal This is a unique opportunity to experience some sightsee ing in Copenhagen while swimming around Christians borg Palace the seat of the Danish Parliament. The route is about 2,000 m long. It starts in Frederiks holms Kanal, goes past the Black Diamond, continues along the waterfront, under Knippelsbro Bridge, past the Stock Exchange, Højbro Plads and Gammel Stand and concludes in the straight in Frederkisholms Kanal. This is a unique chance for the brave and adventurous to dive into the city center. Registration is on a first come – first serve basis. For more information visit www.svoem.org.
July 28, Zurich, Switzerland Ironman Switzerland Ironman starts with a 3.8 km swim in water so crystal clear that it’s of drinking quality. After swimming, the bike course leads through the city center along the lake shore out of town. Contestants ride along grazing lands, small villages and the rolling country side of Zurich. The uphill chall enging parts of the route are called “The Beast” and “Heartbreak Hill”. For moral support, spectators line up cheering and ringing the cow bells. The four-loop running course leads through the parks of the city and along the lake. In Zurich, as typical for Switzerland, everything from shopping to spas and restaurants are very close to the race site and within walking distance. To register go to www.ironmanzurich.com
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86 ı WOW lifts you up where you belong
Cyclothon UK This endurance team relay, road cycling race around the Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit is made up of an 8 hour and a 12 hour challenge. Teams of between 4-8 riders will cycle for as long as they want, before dipping into the pit lane to hand over the timing chip to the next rider on their team. The winning team will be the one that completes the most combined laps within the allotted time in each category. Prizes will be awarded to the winners of each category. Entry is open to all over the age of 16, male and female, to both experienced and inexperi enced riders, of all abilities. In this race you’ll find corporate teams, cycling club teams, friends coming together for a social ride, teams raising money for various charities, endurance solo riders, novice cyclists and a range of sporting celebrities.
September 14, Almere, Holland Challenge Almere-Amsterdam Triathlon Almere is known for its wonder ful parks, diverse woods, gorg eous lakes, well maintained canals and enchanting nature reserves. Almere is also a renowned name in triathlon hist ory. After Hawaii, The Holland Triathlon is the oldest triathlon in the World.
The Almere course is located 4.5 meters below sea level: at the bottom of what was once the Zuiderzee (South Sea), just 25 kilometers from the capital, Amsterdam. Still surrounded by water, it characterizes itself through the dikes, windmills and endless straight polder roads where you can’t protect yourself from the winds! The battle with the elements is a battle of endurance. The swim, bike and running course starts and finishes all on the Esplanade in Almere’s city center on the edge of the curved surface of the futuristic shopping center. Simultaneously the competition’s cultural festivities take place in the city. Another reason why you’d want the pleasure of visiting Almere. The Almere Triathlon offers the Business Team option, where each team consists of 4 athletes: 1 swimmer does 1.9 km, 1 cyclist does 90 km and 2 runners do 10.5 km each, to complete the triathlon together. Entering the Half Challenge Almere-Amsterdam as a Business Team is a great team building exercise. This is your challenge if your business is looking for an effective way to improve staff collaboration, morale and self-respect. One person teams are also encouraged to enter the Half Challenge, but in that case, of course, one person does all the work. To register go to www.chall enge-almere.com