Two popular events from Edinburgh's Hogmanay in previous years return for the 2012/2013 celebrations in Edinburgh: the New Year’s Day Triathlon and Edinburgh’s Dogmanay will both take place on the first day of 2013.
"Whether you’re participating or spectating, it’s a great way to get some fresh air and exercise on New Year’s Day and blow away those cobwebs,” said Peter Irvine, Artistic Director of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.
The events are being supported by the City of Edinburgh Council and EventScotland. The New Year’s Day Triathlon last took place in 2009/2010, before the renovation of The Royal Commonwealth Pool was completed.
Cllr Steve Cardownie, Edinburgh’s Festivals & Events Champion, said: “The newly refurbished Royal Commonwealth provides the ideal start to the Triathlon and I’m sure the hardy competitors will appreciate the new facilities. Meanwhile, for those happier taking a back seat, Dogmanay provides a great afternoon’s entertainment for all the family.”
The triathlon is open to everyone – a fun race for those who have never done a triathlon before (usually about one third of participants are triathlon virgins) or a competitive test of winter fitness for the experienced.
John Whitaker, Race Director, said “We have missed having the race in our calendar over the last few years. With the pool looking fantastic and a few wee changes to our transition space we are looking forward to another brilliant event. This has been a fantastic year of sport in the UK so hopefully some of that enthusiasm will rub off and we can offer a great way to start next year with a challenge in sport.”
Both individuals and teams will compete in the The New Year's Day Triathlon over a three-legged course that includes a 400m swim (8 lengths of the Commonwealth Pool), an 11 mile cycle (three times around Arthur’s Seat in a clockwise direction) and a 3.5 mile run (once around Arthur’s Seat again clockwise).
For families and younger runners, there is a separate Duathlon race for 8 – 15 year olds involving a short run, 2k bike ride and another short run, all on closed roads.
The kids’ Duathlon will start at 11.30am and the Triathlon at 12.30pm, both from The Royal Commonwealth Pool.
A 2013 Speedster 50 Road Bike is being offered as a prize in a lucky draw open to all participants in the Triathlon. The Speedster, generously donated by Scotts Sports, comes with a Shimano groupset, Syncros wheels and parts together with a comfortable alloy frame.
Entries for the triathlon are available at http://www.entrycentral.com/index.php?raceID=3 and will close on Monday 17 December 2012. Entry costs £50 per individual.
Mush!
Also on New Year’s Day, the Edinburgh’s Dogmanay sleddog races returns to Holyrood Park.
Crowds can get up close to the action as the Alaskan Malamute, Samoyed, Canadian Eskimo Dogs, Greenland Dogs and Siberian Huskies team up for an exhilarating afternoon of sport. Timed races, using sleighs, racing riggs and scooters, will take place all afternoon with teams of 2, 3 and 4 huskies competing against each other.
The afternoon’s entertainment will also include a novelty dog show, obedience and clicker training demonstrations and visitors will have a chance to snuggle a sled-dog.
Pam Addison, Secretary of The Scottish Sleddog Society, said “The Scottish Sleddog Society was formed to represent the five Kennel Club registered sleddog breeds. The aims of the Society are to educate and advise about the requirements of the breeds, to fundraise for breed welfare and to organise fun days and social events in which all of the sled dog breeds can participate. We are delighted to be bringing back Edinburgh’s Dogmanay – it is a great opportunity for everyone who owns a sled dog, and isn’t a member of a club, to come and get some guidance and support about the welfare of these breeds, and to fully enjoy these wonderful dogs. And, of course, a great excuse for us all to have some fun.”
Entry to watch the races is free of charge and all varieties of two and four legged spectators are welcomed.
Edinburgh’s Dogmanay will take place in Holyrood Park, courtesy of Historic Scotland, on Tuesday 1 January 2013 from 11.30pm to 3.30pm.
Full details of the 2012/2013 Edinburgh’s Hogmanay programme will be announced on Tuesday 13 November 2012.