Olympic legend Mark Foster joined The Mayor of St Albans and young athletes at Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre this week to promote the brand new Mayor’s City Sprint Triathlon.

Taking place on Sunday, May 11 from 10am until 3pm at the Holywell Hill leisure centre, the event involves a 5k cycle in the sports hall, 200m swim in the centre’s pool and a 3k run around the meadow adjacent to the Leisure Centre. 

The Mayor said: "The idea for the St Albans Sprint Triathlon came out of a conversation with Mark about Olympic Legacy and encouraging people to participate in sport by trying something they might have thought is beyond their capability.

"Too often, Triathlons require very long distances to master, particularly the swimming stage, and they require a huge amount of training.  Therefore, it is a pleasure to welcome Mark Foster to Westminster Lodge to receive some advice and technical tips for our more modest St Albans event."

Mark Foster is most recently known for his BBC commentary in the London 2012 Olympic Games and as a contestant in Strictly Come Dancing.  As one of Britain’s leading athletes, the 6' 6" swimming champion has also competed in five Olympic Games, broken eight World Records, won six World Championships, eleven European Championships and two Commonwealth Games in his career.

Mark, who still holds the British Short Course 50m Freestyle Record, added: "I very much support the Mayor's chosen race distances as it provides the perfect opportunity for everyone to have a go at a Triathlon. Even if you are not a regular swimmer, 200m, eight lengths, in a pool is probably within your reach, so this is an ideal event to try. I wish you all the best of luck."

Participants must be over 12-years-old and can enter as individuals or part of a team and split the elements between them. The entrance cost is £20 and all proceeds will be donated to Rennie Grove Hospice Care. 

Rennie Grove Events Manager, Ruth Proudfoot, said: "We’re delighted Mark Foster is supporting the event; we hope his success will inspire local people to take part and achieve a personal goal while raising vital funds for local families affected by cancer and other life-limiting illness." 

All competitors will receive a race T-Shirt, medal and Goodie Bag. There will also be a prize for the fastest team or individual. To enter or for more information, call 01727 736080 option 3 or visit www.renniegrove.org/mayorstriathlon.