Winchester PPP goes virtual
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Organisers of the Winchester PPP are preparing to launch their first virtual event, with participants racing to raise vital funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.
The 16th Winchester Pedal Paddle Pace kick starts on 1st July, with competitors using a bit of creativity to complete the unique triathlon. Sponsored by Forresters, the event usually sees participants cycling, running and kayaking their way through Hampshire. However, due to government restrictions surrounding Covid-19, participants will be completing the cycling and running parts of the triathlon in their own time – and then picking any 15 minute activity to complete the challenge.
Managing partner Lloyd Hoarton expressed how thrilled everyone at the firm is to continue our support as headline sponsors of the event, which to date has raised around £150,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support. “We were pleased to hear that the event was going ahead this year and we have entered five teams, who each have 12 days to record the 20km bike ride as well as the 5k run,” he explained. “Then they are choosing another sport to do, and so far we have one team focussing on boxing, with others taking to swimming, yoga and the rowing machine. It is fantastic that so many people are gearing up to take part in the event, which raises vital funds to support people while they are at a critical time in their cancer journey”.
Event organisers are encouraging participants to make a donation to Macmillan Cancer Support and then to record all three legs of the triathlon on Strava, or by emailing info@winchesterppp.co.uk. Photos and videos sent in will be uploaded to the event’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to keep the buzz going and help everyone stay connected. As results are entered they will be recorded on an online leaderboard.
Richard Nichols is chairman of the Winchester PPP and said the event is open to competitors around the world. “My son Ted came up with the idea of turning this year’s PPP into a virtual event,” he added. “He’s 23 and offered to get involved with promoting the event to a younger audience on social media. It was around the time that the Instagram 555 Challenge (run 5k, donate £5, nominate 5 friends) was popular. We’ve always been the triathlon with a difference, and that got us thinking about making the third leg an activity of your own choice”.
“We are looking forward to a different dynamic this year and we hope that social media, and the lack of geographic barriers, will create a surge of goodwill and donations. We recently had a tri-club in Dubai enter the event, so it just shows that distance really isn’t an object when it comes to taking part in this year’s Winchester PPP”.
The Winchester PPP has a volunteer committee of about 15 people, and all members have had friends or family affected by cancer. Each year the event raises £15-20,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support and they are hoping to receive a similar amount this year.
Event organiser Mike Sharpe said: “We have been looking forward to finding out what people are choosing for the third leg of the triathlon. So far, we have sports ranging from sea kayaking and swimming to lawn bowls and darts. Competitors will have 12 days to enter their results and the competition closes on the day the event should have taken place – July 12th.
“The support we have from Forresters is fantastic, because it means that every penny raised by participants goes straight to Macmillan Cancer Support. For the last few years employees at Forresters have also participated in the event, and it is wonderful to see they have five teams committed to completing this unique challenge over the next few days”.
To enter the event go to winchesterppp.co.uk and submit your results via Strava. It runs from Wednesday, 1st July through to Sunday, 12th July 12. To contact the organisers email info@winchesterppp.co.uk
