8,500 triathletes will take their position under starter’s orders in Hyde Park, London next month at the PruHealth World Triathlon Grand Final from 11-15 September.
The event, which will see the world’s top athletes, including Olympic Champion Alistair Brownlee competing for the world championship title, has more nations represented than ever before.
4,000 overseas athletes representing 83 nations will travel to London to compete against 1,200 Brits as part of a number of World Championship races. They will be joined by athletes, some of whom have never done a triathlon before, competing in a mass participation race on Saturday 14 September.
The huge festival of sport, which forms part of UK Sport’s Gold Event Series which aims to bring 70 of the world's most prestigious sporting events to the UK in legacy from London 2012, doesn’t stop with the boundaries of Hyde Park though, Trafalgar Square will be transformed into a triathlon live site. Visitors to "Triathlon Square" will be able to try out all elements of one of the fastest growing sports in the UK. From swimming in the endless pool that will be in situ for the week of the event, to cycling on a static bike to running on a treadmill. There will also be a specially designed triathlon competition for children.
"We are thrilled by the huge turnout in London, as the record number of nations represented demonstrates a marked growth in our sport worldwide," said ITU President and IOC Member Marisol Casado. "The athletes are also in for a special treat, as they’ll get to compete on much the same course as the 2012 Olympians."
Iain Edmondson, Head of Major Events at London and Partners, the Mayor’s official promotional organisation said: "It will be fantastic to see so many professional and amateur athletes coming to London to take part in the triathlon finals. With competitors from over 80 nations taking to the streets of London over five days this event has a truly worldwide flavour boasting the largest number of international participants for any mass-participation event held in the capital.
"There’s an amazing amount for spectators to see and do whether it’s lining the route to cheer on the greats or visiting the live site at Trafalgar Square with a global audience in excess of 25 million watching from home. We want people to come along, soak up the atmosphere and watch some superb athletes in action.
"Hosting the event represents another big sporting win for London demonstrating our commitment to deliver a legacy for Major Events from both the Olympic and Paralympic Games."
Schedule
Wednesday 11 September
09:00 - 13:00 Aquathlon World Championship
19:30 - 21:30 Opening Ceremony
Thursday 12 September
08:00 - 17:00 Junior and U23 World Champs
Friday 13 September
08:00 - 12:00 Age-Group World Champs
14:00 - 18:00 Paratriathlon
Saturday 14 September
08:30 - 10:30 Elite Women World Champs
11:30 - 20:00 Open Race
Sunday 15 September
07:00 - 13:30 Age-Group World Champs
13:30 - 15:30 Elite Men World Champs
19:00 - 22:00 Closing Ceremony