With the Cayman Islands Triathlon coming ever closer, this weekend will see the first of the Cayman Islands Triathlon Association’s build-up triathlons.

The series of three events is designed to help participants in both the Olympic distance event and the sprint distance event test their form and prepare for the big day. The first event will take place on Sunday, 17 October, followed by another event every two weeks in the run-up to the Cayman Islands Triathlon on 28 November.

The events are informal and no timing will be provided as it is intended to be a training event for athletes to fine-tune their race day preparation, as well as work on the transitions between the three elements that make up a triathlon.

The first build-up event will feature a 400 metres swim, 6 mile cycle and 1.5 mile run for those preparing for the Olympic distance triathlon, or a 200m swim, 3 mile cycle and 1 mile run for those preparing for the sprint distance race.

Each edition will see the race distances increase, with the 31 October event building up to a 750m swim, 12 mile bike and 3 mile run for the Olympic distance athletes, and a 400m swim, 6 mile cycle and 1.5 mile run for the sprint distance athletes.

The third and final event on 14 November will have the Olympic distance competitors take on a 1100m swim, an 18 mile cycle and a 4.5 mile run, while the sprint distance competitors will do a 600m swim, a 9 mile cycle and a 2 mile run.

Although bottle refills will be available, participants are urged to bring everything they need along to the event, as other support will be minimal.

The event has always been a great hit with newcomers to triathlon as it allows them to find their feet in a more social event before the full-blown competition of the Cayman Islands Triathlon. It is also an excellent opportunity to learn from some of the more experienced triathletes. Of course, every year, some of the top contenders prefer to hide their form ahead of the main event, so performances in the build-up triathlons are not always indicative of what might happen on race day.

There is no entry fee for the event, but the triathlon association will be accepting donations to help organise these events and other triathlons.

Each of the events will start on Public Beach at 7am, with the transition area set up along Governor’s Way.

Should the water conditions be deemed too rough for the swim, the event will still continue but as a duathlon rather than a triathlon.

For more information, e-mail cita@triathlon.ky or visit triathlon.ky