Thousands attend charity sporting events at MediaCityUK

MediaCityUK was awash with thousands of sporting enthusiasts and spectators for the inaugural JLL Triathlon on Fri 24th and the iconic Nuffield Salford Triathlon on Sun 26th July – raising a significant amount for their respective charities.

The JLL Property Triathlon North, (jointly sponsored by the Peel Group), attracted over 700 entrants, including Presenter Louise Minchin from BBC Breakfast and was a sprint distance Triathlon open to anyone in, or connected  with, the property industry from complete novices to more seasoned athletes. It comprised  a 750m swim, 20km cycle and a 5km run and entrants either competed individually or raced as a team of three to form a relay.

The Nuffield tri-sport challenge, saw over 800 people compete in what has become one of the largest events of its kind in the north-west, offering Triathletes of all abilities, a race on a fast flat course around the breath-taking MediaCityUK complex taking in sites including the new home for ITV’s Coronation Street, the Imperial War Museum North and the Lowry Theatre.

James Whittaker, Peel Land and Property Group Development Director said: “The two triathlons held at MediaCityUK over the weekend were both a huge success with over £22,000 raised for JLL and Peel’s chosen charities, Starlight and  The Christie  on the Friday and a significant amount raised for  Christie’s on the Sunday (amount TBC). The co-sponsors of JLL Property Triathlon North, The Peel Group and JLL are delighted with the extremely positive feedback and are now looking at dates for next year. It was the first ever triathlon for the majority of people taking part and we hope to see them return next year’.

Continuing he said: ‘For the third year running the Nuffield Salford Triathlon went extremely well and was well supported  with over 800 competitors racing the fabulous course around MediaCityUK.  The event was won by Lukas Siska in a time of less than  two hours and despite the afternoon showers the event saw many personal records smashed and  a great deal of money raised for lots of different and worthy charitable causes. A massive congratulations to all those who competed and a huge  thank you to Nuffield Health for sponsoring the event and all the volunteers who helped out”.

The JLL Property Triathlon North was the sister event to the highly successful Property Triathlon and Property Swim held annually at Dorney Lake near Eton – which is firmly established as one of the UK’s top five largest triathlons and has so far raised £1.3 million for charity.

Guy Grainger, UK Chief Executive at JLL, said: “The atmosphere was incredible – it certainly didn’t feel like this was first time we were holding the Property Tri North. It was a brilliant day for both those competing and friends and family spectating – all in all a fantastic way for the industry to come together to raise money for charity.  I’d like to thank everyone who took part, along with our volunteers for making this a superb event.”

Ryan Yost, Events and CRM Executive at Nuffield Health, the not-for-profit healthcare organisation, said: “This weekend’s events were a huge success, with hundreds of participants and spectators turning out. A team of our local Physiotherapists, Physiologists and Personal Trainers from our Salford Quays Medical Centre and Manchester Printworks Gym were on hand to offer pre-race warmups, post-race sports massage, physio consultations and mini health checks to all racers. This activity was complemented by a VIP tent at the finish line for all Nuffield Health gym members and clients participating in the race. Additionally, a 12-strong wave of our Executive team took part in this year’s event, all successfully completing the challenging course. It’s a privilege to be part of such an iconic and loved event in the Greater Manchester area.  The event culminated with the winners’ awards ceremony at 3pm where Sarah Lawrence, Marketing Director – Fitness and Wellbeing at Nuffield Health, presented awards to the day’s champions alongside James Whittaker. The top male and female Olympic distance winners both received a 360 Health Assessment with their trophy.”

Dock 9 has flourished as an open water swim destination due to its safe, clean water and stunning backdrop with serious and leisure swimmers donning their wetsuits alongside Olympians Kerri Anne Payne and commentator Stephen Parry in the past three years alone.