Outdoor participation sporting events look set to return in Wales following the successful delivery of three test events, including a Duathlon (run, bike, run) in Pembrey Country Park hosted by Welsh Triathlon in partnership with Carmarthenshire County Council.
The Duathlon was limited to 100 participants and was run to strict social distancing rules as set-out in the British Triathlon guidelines. Beverley Lewis CEO Welsh Triathlon said ‘I have nothing but praise for my staff and volunteer team who delivered such a successful day; keeping a Covid-19 Secure venue at all times. Carmarthenshire CC staff and Pembrey Country Park team ensured we had a secure, well prepared venue and were fantastic support before the event and on the day. All the volunteers were excellent and in turn, participants, who were themselves model customers, reported feeling safe and delighted to be back racing’
Despite outdoor sporting participation events returning in England and Scotland in mid July and being one of the safest industry sectors, they are still yet to return in Wales.
Matt Newman the Chair of the Mass Participation Sporting Events Organiser Cymru said that “As an observer of the test event I was delighted with its success. This reinforces what we already know, that outdoor sporting events can return safely in Wales. We have worked continuously with all the relevant sporting bodies to ensure that safe working practices have been developed to bring about a safe return of events for both the athletes and the local communities.”
He went on to say that “Wales has a proud history of hosting the very best outdoor events that contribute significantly to the local economy as well as the health and wellbeing of the nation. We are looking forward to seeing the sector, which has been so badly affected by the recent crisis, returning in the near future.”Welsh Government are set to make further announcements on the “roadmap” for return of events and it is hoped that the success of the test events means that ministers will be able to give the green light to the sector to operate once again, following further successful test events. Participants and communities can rest assured that with Wales’s cautious approach to their return, Welsh events will be amongst the very best and safest across the UK.
