Duncan Ferguson and Steve Rotheram (& James) launch Liverpool's summer triathlon event
The route involves swimming across Wapping Dock, running through the Albert Dock and cycling along the waterfront to the Royal Liver Building and back.
Everton FC star Duncan Ferguson, 2012 Olympian triathlete Lucy Hall, Hollyoaks actor James Sutton and Walton MP Steve Rotheram teamed up to launch Liverpool’s summer triathlon event Tri Liverpool.
This sixth Liverpool triathlon event will be held on Sunday, August 10, and the message is that everyone is welcome to take part - whatever your level of sporting fitness.
The race starts and ends at the Liverpool Echo Arena and the organisers, in partnership with Liverpool City Council, expect bigger then ever event with around 2,500 taking part this year.
The triathlon route involves swimming across Wapping Dock, running through the Albert Dock and cycling along the waterfront to the Royal Liver Building and back.
Entrants can commit to all three legs or as a group with each individual undertaking either the swimming, running or cycling.
Lucy Hall, 22, put Steve Rotheram and Craig Phillips, of TV’s 60 Minute Makeover, through their paces in a mini - triathlon dockside coaching session in which they donned their wetsuits. Duncan Ferguson, former Everton centre forward and now on the first team coaching staff, said he wouldn’t be taking part, but hoped to be present cheering the entrants on.
“I’m too heavy to swim - I’d sink. You won’t get me in a wet suit and I don’t think I could get my Speedo swimming trunks to fit me now. I need to be fitter for this. If I could walk the running leg maybe I’d consider it,” he joked.
“I’m sure there will be alot of support from Everton FC and Liverpool FC, so maybe we’ll get some teams together.
“If my schedule allows I’d like to be here encouraging people. This is a great route along the waterfront and we want anyone who can to give it a go.
“It’s not just meant for the superfit, you don’t have to be in the athletic elite,” he added, smiling at Steve Rotheram.
James Sutton said: “I’ve got to be extra fit for some of the future Hollyoaks episodes, so this is an inspiration to me to get training in time for the filming. As you can see I’ve got a bit of a way to go!”
Steve Rotheram is an old hand as he took part with two other ex-Liverpool Lord Mayors in a previous city triathlon.
He has persuaded Shadow Health Secretary Andy Burnham, MP for Leigh, to join him and said: “Andy agreed to do the swimming and I’ll do the cycling. We’re looking to coax another MP into doing the running.
“I’ve seen the saddles on those triahlon bikes and I’ll need something much bigger and padded what looks like sitting on a razor blade!”
Other celebrities taking part in the triathlon’s team relay challenge to include Nicki Sanderson from Hollyoaks and Liverpool actor Philip Olivier.
This is the third year of city council partnership the the British Triathlon governing body and for more information and entry details visit: www.TriLiverpool.com
