The triathlon challenge will see the trio take on freezing cold open water swims, punishing cycle routes and energy sapping runs in three different UK cities, across three nations, in just three days.
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The money raised will help tackle issues such as homelessness, domestic abuse, mental health stigma and child poverty. Each competitor has their own personal motivation, which will be revealed along the way.
The challenge will kick-off in Cardiff on Wednesday 11th March, followed by a trip to Glasgow on Thursday 12th March, before the trio head to Manchester where they will complete their third triathlon in as many days, on Friday 13th March, the day of Sport Relief.
BBC Radio 2 listeners will be able to follow the presenters’ progress across the challenge, with regular check-ins on the station’s programmes, supported by hosts including Zoe Ball, Ken Bruce, Jeremy Vine, Steve Wright and Sara Cox. Jo Whiley will face the added demand of hosting her regular Radio 2 evening show live from Cardiff on Tuesday 10th and Wednesday 11th March, and from BBC Pacific Quay studios in Glasgow on Thursday 12th March with the help of Richie and Reverend Kate, before travelling to Manchester on Friday for the final triathlon.
Jo Whiley, who took part in a 26-hour treadmill challenge for Sport Relief in 2014, said:“Having done a Sport Relief challenge and a triathlon before, you could argue that I know exactly what I’m letting myself in for this time round. Both experiences have taught me well and have shown me how sport has the power to change people’s lives. I know it’s going to be hard; we’re going to laugh, we’re going to cry…but all of it will be worth it, and so much more when we reach Manchester on Friday 13th March. In Richie and Kate, I couldn’t have asked for better teammates to join me on this incredible journey, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Reverend Kate Bottley said: “There’s few things I love more than being in the open waters and taking a swim…so much so that I did 365 of them last year. So, with a fair bit of swimming experience behind me I was quick to remind Jo and Richie that it’s going to be a little bit chilly in the water at this time of the year. As for the running and cycling bit, I’ll admit, I’m a novice, and you could say I’m a little bit nervous; less so now I’ve discovered a pair of running leggings that don’t fall down! I know it’s going to be hard, and I know it’s going to push us all to our emotional, physical and mental limits; but I know with my team mates to support and encourage me, anything is possible. I can’t wait to get started and raise some vital funds for Sport Relief.”
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Richie Anderson said: “I’ve taken on some incredible challenges in the past, but this one is definitely going to be the toughest of them all. I mean, one triathlon would have been tough enough, let alone three, back-to-back. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been getting out and about running, cycling and even doing a little bit of open water swimming in Hyde Park…which was absolutely freezing. I won’t lie, it’s a little bit daunting, but having Jo and Kate by my side, and knowing that the money we raise along the way is going to help communities right here in the UK and around the world, is all the inspiration I need.”