As one of the oldest and most recognisable triathlon clubs in the country Black Country Triathletes are famous just about all over the world for their distinctive yellow, lime green and luminous pink racing kit. Yes that’s right …. yellow green and pink! Black Country Triathletes are a thriving adult and junior club, operating in the Midlands and welcome everyone at all level of fitness, age and ability. They have an enviable reputation for race organising, hosting races virtually from the clubs inception and the introduction of triathlon to the UK 1980’s. The club was formed in the mid 80’s by friend’s and triathlon enthusiasts John Batchelor and Andy Sloane, organising their first race – the Halesowen Triathlon, as race that still takes place to this day. Their expertise was soon recognised and were awarded the BUSA Championships
and ran until 2002. In 1991 a September Sprint Triathlon and a Christmas Aquathon were added to the events programme. The clubs history was about to change forever, with new members Mark Cartwright, Alan McDougal and Steve Lumley joining. In 1993 the three organised the first ever full distance triathlon in the UK – it was from that day forward known as The Longest Day Triathlon (ironman distance). Longest Day Triathlon was the only event of its kind and distance to be organised by a triathlon club in the UK – giving many long distance triathletes their first experience over the full distance. It would be years before the culture of UK triathletes travelling all over the world to compete in Official Ironman events became the norm. In the original race of 1993, just to make the day more interesting, Mark Cartwright not only organised the event, but also raced as well! The Longest Day Triathlon was organised by the club for 13 years and Black Country Triathletes are very proud to have been among pioneers of long distance racing in the UK. In 1995 the Junior Section started with organised Saturday morning
coached sessions. The club now has its own junior race series as well as
hosting junior regional events as part of the BTF series. Since its birth in the mid 1980’s the club has grow from strength to strength, playing its part in helping 100’s of aspiring and talented athletes achieve their personal dreams and goals. Black Country Triathletes encourage athletes of all abilities and ages to come and visit us, to train, to compete and enjoy the fantastic sport of triathlon, at whatever level of ability or distance – the choice is yours. See you at swim – on the bike – on the run ……. or better still at THE RACES!!
