Poor support sees Shropshire Triathlon cancelled
A triathlon has been cancelled due to a lack of entries making it "financially unsustainable".
Shropshire Triathlon – which was due to be held in Ellesmere on May 31 – will not go ahead, organisers have confirmed. But there are hopes it could return next year as both Shropshire Council and Ellesmere Town Council are working with the organising committee to "ensure the long-term future" of the race and a provisional date has been set for 2016.
Organisers of the event – which has previously been named West Midlands Triathlon of the Year and attracts hundreds of athletes – have said competitors' entry fees will be returned including any administration costs.
In a statement, they said: "It is with deep regret that we have to inform everyone that the Shropshire Triathlon scheduled to take place in the heart of the Shropshire Lake District has been cancelled.
"Unfortunately the entries at the time of cancellation are significantly down on previous years which has made the event financially unsustainable.
"Therefore we have decided to make this difficult decision now in order to allow competitors to make alternative arrangements for training or competition on that weekend.
"In addition to the financial difficulties, consideration was also given to the army of volunteers and traders who have contributed to the previous success and to thank them for their commitment and support.
"We are sorry to disappoint everyone and we wish to thank everyone for your support and we hope that you will understand why this decision has been taken."
It is hoped the race, which was first held in 1992, will return on May 29 next year.
The statement added: "Shropshire Council, Ellesmere Town Council and the organising committee all wish to place on record their thanks to all volunteers for the support and commitment they have given during this long period covering more than twenty years.
"As the event organiser since 1992, Alan Penton would also like to personally thank all volunteers for what they have done for the event in the past, and he hopes to see them again at some point in the future."
