Interview With Mark Booth – Race Director for TriStar Milton Keynes

Écrit par Daniel Quintero | 31 Janvier 2012

Interview With Mark Booth – Race Director for TriStar 111 Milton Keynes

Tell us how your career has been linked to the triathlon until TriStar Milton Keynes in 2012? We know you are a great age grouper!!!
My triathlon career up till now, done most event disciplines from Sprint to Ironman, Duathlon to Marathons. I have been in the Elite GB team for both Duathlon and Triathlon but my best year came in 2002 when I turned 40. At the same time as being British Duathlon and Triathlon Champion I was European Duathlon and Triathlon Champion. The best achievement I have had is taking part in 4 Ironman in 4 months ending with Kona, Hawaii. Within this I completed a PB of 9:32 for Ironman.

Are you excited about this new format in the UK? What has motivated you to lead this project in Milton Keynes?
I have travelled Europe doing the 111 series including Estonia, Germany & Monaco and I’m hoping this year to do more events such as Mallorca plus the old favourites, so this gives me so much motivation for the project as I really enjoy the format and set up of Tristar, they are a very professional company and always good with the athletes so we jumped at the chance to work long side the company.

What are the differences between TriStar Milton Keynes and other previous triathlon races in this destination?
The format is so different from other races with a biased bike leg, so this is very user friendly for age and injuries. It is encouraging the cyclists of the world to come and try Triathlon, it’s great for many different people.

What do you like most about the course?
The course is very spectator friendly which we find creates a lovely atmosphere during the races. The swim can be seen from start to finish, the bike can be driven but also seen out of the front of the park. The loop course means seeing your athlete going out on the bike, as they fly past twice and as they come back into the park for their run, The run course is set within the scenic Emberton Country Park. The park is fantastic if you have children and they want to play on the many static playgrounds dotted around the park as athletes run past. Emberton and its surrounding villages offer a rural treat for all and the Country Park itself is a great family day out!

How is the most difficult point on the bike course?
The climb up Chichley Hill, before a slight downhill into the park or passing it depending on your laps completed.

What do you think about TriStar and these new formats/distances and its new approach to the world of triathlon?
It is encouraging more people into the sport with the bike leg distance, due to this the recovery is quicker as there is a shorter run therefore able to race again within weeks of doing a 111.

What is your goal for the next year?
My personal goal for the next year is to race as many of the Tristar races as possible as being a very keen cyclists this distance of race suits me well, and to stay injury free.

How do you see the future of TriStar in the UK?
As said before more cyclists will get involved in Triathlon as well as the seasoned triathletes giving a new distance a go something different a change to their normal routine. I definitely see a possitive future for Tristar.