Rugby Stars Join the Mazda Blenheim Triathlon

DARTFORD, UNITED KINGDOM – June 5, 2009: Worcester Warriors RFC players will be looking to kick Oxford University RFC in to touch at this weekend’s Mazda Blenheim Triathlon when both sets of rugby union players take on the Team Relay in search of Saturday afternoon bragging rights. On Sunday the highly-rated Jonathan Brownlee will be one of the many elite runners aiming for overall victory.

Brownlee and the Warriors rugby stars Pat Sanderson, Miles Benjamin and Kai Horstmann will be amongst the 5,500 competitors made up of elite athletes, first timers and relay teams. Second only to the Mazda London Triathlon in size and set in the stunning surroundings of Blenheim Palace, this weekend’s swimming, cycling and running event is also expected to attract 15,000 spectators. Channel 4 Television will broadcast the race which sees the male and female elite athletes competing for their share of the £6,000 event prize money.

Pat Sanderson, Captain of Worcester Warriors RFC said, “As a team we are always taking on big challenges in the Guinness Premiership and so we’re really looking forward to switching our attention for a day to the Mazda Blenheim Triathlon which is a superb event and a memorable challenge for all who take part.”

Headline sponsor Mazda is getting fully involved with this participation sport by entering its very own ‘Team Mazda’ which is hoping their Zoom-Zoom philosophy will help them round the course.

Making his triathlon debut Mazda Sales and Marketing Director Mark Cameron said: “At Mazda we believe in leading by example, which is why so many of our staff from all levels of the business are competing at Blenheim. Our philosophy is about exhilarating experiences and the thrill of challenging oneself and triathlon encapsulates that perfectly.”

The team will be part of the thousands of athletes taking part in the UK’s fastest growing sport including athletes from both Oxford and Cambridge Universities who will once again be going head to head in the annual varsity Triathlon match-up. Cambridge men have won the previous 6 meetings whilst Oxford women have won the last 4. With both Oxford men and Cambridge women having a score to settle, the Varsity match should make for one of the day’s most exciting races.

2009 is an exciting time for triathlon and Blenheim, with the Oxfordshire event selected to form part of the recently launched British Triathlon Super Series.

Nick Rusling, Managing Director of IMG Mass Participation Sports, comments: “Triathlon is the UK’s fastest growing Mass Participation Sport and Blenheim is definitely one of the most prestigious triathlons to be involved in, whether taking part or cheering-on competitors during their swim, bike or run.”

Parents who want their kids to get healthier and more active are being encouraged to bring them along to take part in fun events in the Kid’s Zone at Blenheim Palace. This is a fun feature at Blenheim, providing competitions for children over three that run alongside the main triathlons - meaning the whole family can now enjoy a great day out together while getting fit and healthy.

Building on last year’s fundraising success, official charity partner Leukaemia Research, will have their ‘banana army’ out in full force to raise thousands of pounds for the national charity.