A charity’s annual flag-ship event is off to a racing start, as it welcomes entrants. 

St Ives Surf Life Saving Club’s annual biathlon, sponsored by Penwith College, will take place on the evening of Saturday, June 17. 

With more than 170 registrations already, pre-entries are coming in quickly, from as far afield as Southampton and Bristol – with that distance expected to significantly grow in the next two weeks as more people register to take part. 

In the past, biathletes have travelled from as far as America and France, many returning year-on-year, as well as the event attracting new entrants who either want to undertake a personal challenge or add the St Ives Biathlon to their sporting calendar; some are even tempted by the free pasty and beer that has become a notorious reward! 

In previous years St Ives Biathlon’s most popular open/vet race (40yrs+) has seen up to 250 participants run through the streets of the town starting from the harbour, following the coast path towards Carbis Bay beach for approximately 1.5 miles, before swimming back to the harbour slipway for another 1.5 miles. 

The event also features two other categories, open to 250 participants each: with the junior race (12-16yrs) running to Porthminster beach before swimming back; and the novice race (17yrs+) following the same route.  Each category is also open to team entries, with one person running and one swimming.

Chris Simpson, chair of St Ives Surf Life Saving Club and Biathlon lead said: “Now entering its 25th year, our club is extremely proud of the St Ives Biathlon. Each year it raises our profile – attracting new members, whilst securing much needed funds. Each entrant pays a small entry fee, complemented by business sponsorship of the event. We have 33 businesses on board this year, which is a record number. We are delighted that so many previous year’s business sponsors have returned. It is with their generosity, along with the kind support of the townspeople, that the event can take place each year.” 

As well as pre-entries in the coming weeks, competitors can register to enter from 3pm on the day at the harbour slipway, but are encouraged to make a pre-entry via the online form, which will guarantee them a commemorative event T-shirt and discounted entry price reduced from £40 to £35 for the open/vets; £30 to £25 for the novice; £25 to £18 for the Junior and £25 to £20 for the teams. 

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the event starting and the 65th anniversary of St Ives Surf Lifesaving Club. 

Those interested in competing in the biathlon should register online at shorturl.at/dBDLS