Ambassadors for Tri Liverpool unveiled free gym membership and training for anyone looking to make their triathlon debut in 2016.

British Triathlon, in partnership with Liverpool City Council, announced free memberships for the first 100 people to sign up to the beginner wave of Tri Liverpool, which will return to the city on August 14.

Celebrity ambassadors including BBC’s Louise Minchin, reality star Craig Philips and elite triathletes Sophie Coldwell and Morgan Davies, backed the scheme to boost numbers for the popular event.

CEO of British Triathlon, Jack Buckner, says: “Setting a goal to complete your first triathlon is an exciting and fun challenge with swimming, cycling and running training you can do with your friends and family. There’s a great, inclusive community feel within triathlon as elite athletes and complete beginners come together at events such as Tri Liverpool.

“We want to encourage anyone looking to get fit and healthy in 2016 to try triathlon for the first time in this Olympic and Paralympic year with our free GO TRI training and free membership of the city’s Lifestyles centres.”

GO TRI triathlon-based training classes will take place in Liverpool at Lifestyles Centres in Garston, Alsop, Wavertree and Ellergreen each week and all three stages of the competition covered.

Mark Lancaster, Lifestyles centres manager and GO TRI trainer said: “The GO TRI sessions within Lifestyles specifically cater for beginners and are perfect for anyone wanting to try a brand new sport and set a goal in 2016.

“Our fun, friendly and inclusive groups feature people of all ages and abilities with a real focus on triathlon being “you against yourself”, not anyone else or a specific time.

“It’s about you getting involved with the community spirit, getting fit and enjoying the training which leads up to specific events such as Tri Liverpool. We help our members train from the very start, right the way to the day of the event.”

The event be based around pass the waterfront landmarks and estimated 1,700 entrants have already signed up for three different distance waves; beginner, sprint and standard with the option to enter as a team of three in the Sprint distance relay.

Elite athletes will also compete for British Championship titles, including last year’s winners Sophie Coldwell and Morgan Davies.

British triathlete and reigning Tri Liverpool women’s champion, Sophie Coldwell, says: “Triathlon is such a growing sport and I’m proud of the initiatives such as free training and Lifestyles membership which welcome first-timers to the sport.

“Doing any sporting activity in a group is always a boost and for beginners, it’s confidence in numbers. Working towards Tri Liverpool is a great start for any novice triathlete as the iconic course, plus the fantastic response from the many spectators cheering you on makes it a really memorable event.”

Also at the announcement were 2016 Tri Liverpool ambassadors, BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin and Big Brother winner Craig Philips who will return to the Tri Liverpool course this year.

BBC Breakfast presenter, Louise Minchin, said: “I came to the sport quite late taking it up about two and a half years ago. Last year I qualified for Team GB in my age group and went to the world championships in Chicago.

“It was the most fabulous experience! I love triathlon and I’ve met so many people. I go out cycling with my family, I go swimming in the river with people I’ve met and I go running with the friends that I have made. Take it up! It is a brilliant sport.”

Big Brother winner and TV presenter, Craig Philips, added: “This year I’m doing my third Tri Liverpool race. I’ve done the Sprint distance twice here in my hometown and now I’m about to embark on the Olympic distance in 2016.

“I’m addicted to triathlon and I love it. It’s very personally challenging, great for your fitness and just a great atmosphere here in Liverpool.”

Councillor Wendy Simon, cabinet member for culture, tourism and events, says: “Last year Tri Liverpool helped to raise the profile of triathlon not only in the city, but also nationwide, becoming renowned for bringing first-timers and elite athletes together at this exciting and diverse urban triathlon event.

“Over 45% of local people who took part in Tri Liverpool in 2015 were novices. We want to build on the inclusive success of last year and give local residents the confidence to get involved in free triathlon training in the city and work towards taking part in Tri Liverpool 2016.”

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