St Ives Biathlon set to welcome nearly 200 competitors

Nearly 200 participants have already registered for the annual St Ives Biathlon, taking place on June 22.

The event, organised by St Ives Surf Life Saving Club, is being sponsored by Penwith College.

Competitors from across Cornwall and even as far as London, Southampton, and overseas are showing interest, with online registrations gathering momentum.

Entering its 26th year, the biathlon, which doubles as the Club's 66th anniversary, is centerpiece of the club's calendar.

It not only draws new members but also raises critical funds needed to maintain the charity work.

Historically popular with locals and visitors, the event's history extends over a quarter of a century.

It begins with a traditional swim in St Ives harbour named "The Sloop Slog." The Sloop continues to support the biathlon solidly, offering a free pint to every adult finisher.

All participants receive a free pasty from The Cornish Bakehouse—an enduring gesture of support.

The event continues to expand, enticing fresh competitors keen on undertaking a personal challenge. Some are drawn by the reward of a free pint and pasty.

In earlier years, the popular Open/Vet Race has seen up to 250 participants. Starting from the harbour, the route runs through town streets towards Carbis Bay beach for approximately 1.5 miles before swimming back to the harbour slipway for another 1.5 miles.

Two other categories are open to 250 participants: the Junior Race run to Porthminster beach before swimming back and the Novice Race following the same route.

The online pre-entries deadline is June 7, guaranteeing commemorative t-shirts and discounted entry fees. Competitors can also register on that day from 3pm until 5.30pm at the harbour slipway.

Chris Simpson, chair of St Ives Surf Life Saving Club and Biathlon Lead said: "The St Ives Biathlon is a long-standing event enjoyed by many locals, as well as attracting visitors to the town. It is a crucial event for our club, which is why we are so grateful to all of the businesses that support it to enable us to raise funds.

"We are thankful that many of our sponsors return year on year, bringing funds to the club but also goodies for our entrants."