Children in Nottingham are being challenged to swim, cycle and run the distance from earth to the International Space Station.
To celebrate Tim Peake’s mission in the station, the Triathlon Trust and the UK Space Agency are holding an ‘out-of-this-world’ triathlon event for children at Harvey Hadden Sports Village in Bilborough tomorrow (Tuesday 11 October).
Major Tim Peake had to exercise for 2 hours every day to counteract the effects of living and working in a microgravity environment on the International Space Station. To inspire the school children of Britain to get active with him, he set a challenge to swim, bike and run the equivalent distance from Earth to the ISS of 400km.
The Triathlon Trust have travelled from Swansea to Teeside, and from Corby to Essex, challenging children aged 8-13 year olds to join forces to complete the distance as a school group with a 50m swim, 800m bike and 400m run.
Children will receive a certificate signed by Major Tim Peake and a medal for taking part.
Mike Jubb, Chief Executive at the Triathlon Trust says, “We are delighted to be partnering with Nottingham CityCare to enable us to give over 700 local children the opportunity to experience the amazing sport of triathlon. We hope that many of them will be inspired to lead more active and healthy lives as result of their achievements today.”
Councillor Dave Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture at Nottingham City Council, said: “We are honoured to have such a great event at Harvey Hadden Sports Village.
“Events like this, run by the Triathlon Trust are great for helping to get children active. We have world class facilities at Harvey Hadden and I hope this event will encourage children to take up more sport, who knows we could have some future triathlon champions in the making.”
The event is suitable for all abilities, even those that cannot swim or ride a bike. Floatation devices are available for non-swimmers and the Trust will provide all the bikes, helmets (and for those who can’t ride a bike…scooters).