A triathlon club which held its first sessions online during the Covid pandemic has been named the best in the East Midlands.
Nottingham Triathlon Club scooped three awards, including East Midlands Club of the Year, in the Triathlon England Awards.
The club, which has gone on to boast more than 100 members including Great Britain age group athletes, will now take part in a national contest to discover the best triathlon club in the country.
Triathlon events incorporate swimming, cycling and running, meaning competitors have to learn a range of skills and develop strong all round fitness levels.
The win is the second time in the last three years that the Nottingham-based club has taken the top prize, after also being named the area’s top triathlon club in 2022. The result effectively means the group has retained its title as the rules of the awards state winners are not allowed to defend their accolades, meaning the club did not compete in the awards last year.
At a ceremony at the club’s swim session at Harvey Hadden in Bilborough, the club also won the region’s Engagement Award, while Susan Wheatcroft won the individual Volunteer of the Year category.
In all, Nottingham Triathlon Club received nominations in multiple categories, with three members being nominated for the Volunteer of the Year award.
The Engagement Award is given to the club or individual which has made a remarkable impact in engaging both active triathletes and the broader swim, bike, run community by fostering a sense of belonging, motivation and community spirit.
Susan’s Volunteer of the Year award recognises her contribution as what Triathlon England calls “the lifeblood of the sport”. The organisation said the award acknowledges volunteers’ commitment, passion and tireless efforts.
The awards, which celebrate those who give their time, energy and passion to making triathlon a supportive and welcoming sport, shine a spotlight on the work done by triathlon clubs up and down the country.
Nottingham Triathlon Club was formed during lockdown in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, with initial sessions being held online in 2020. In all, it now has more than 100 junior and adult members, including representatives of Great Britain age category teams.
Fully-coached sessions take place at multiple locations in Nottingham including Harvey Hadden, Southglade and Bingham. As well as providing training for triathletes, the club caters for those who want to stay fit or improve their running, swimming and cycling individually.
Chair of Nottingham Triathlon Club, Mike McCabe said: “To have been nominated in so many categories is an honour, but to have won three awards is just testament to our members and the passion for the club and sport.
“We strive to be engaging, inclusive and enthusiastic for swim, bike, run so to be recognised for these traits is certainly something to be proud
of.”
Photo by Chris Hill