Teams urged to ‘crush it’ by entering new triathlon fundraiser

Teams are being urged to sign up for a unique triathlon event organised by Mount Cook Adventure Centre, which will raise cash for Derventio Housing Trust.

Swimmers, cyclists, runners – and puzzle solvers – will get the chance to combine their skills the new ‘Quarry Crusher’ triathlon.

Kicking off with a swim in the natural geothermal spring-fed pool at the New Bath Hotel and Spa in Matlock, the 21 June event then takes runners and cyclists on an unusual puzzle-solving trip around local scenic spots.

The event is being launched by a new partnership between Derventio and Mount Cook, the latter of which is built on a disused quarry near Matlock.

The housing trust, which annually provides accommodation to more than 1,000 people around the UK who would otherwise be homeless, is on the hunt for teams of four to take part in the event with funds raised going towards its Christmas present appeal for residents who often go without during the festive season.

The event has been designed as a team challenge combining traditional sprint triathlon events with the unusual twist of conundrums thrown in.

The Quarry Crusher kicks off with one team member taking on an 800-metre swim of the lido at the New Bath Hotel and Spa.

Two participants then take on a 6.6km run, climbing up the east side of Masson Mills to Upperwood.

The cycling part of the triathlon again involves two cyclists completing a 25km loop, stopping twice for puzzles.

Sarah Hernandez, Derventio’s managing director, said: “As our housing trust is based in beautiful Derbyshire we thought it was only right that we should celebrate our lovely countryside by launching this unique spin on a triathlon: the puzzle solving ‘Quarry Crusher’.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the brilliant team at Mount Cook Adventure Centre in launching this unique event.

“And it’s all for a great cause. Residents living in Derventio Housing Trust would otherwise be at risk of homelessness if it was not for the accommodation we provide.

“Christmas may seem a long way off but it’s a very stressful time of year for residents who are unlikely to receive any presents apart from those we provide.

“We hope that lots of teams come forward to take part in this unique event which will put many smiles on the faces of residents this Christmas. And it will be a great challenge you won’t find anywhere else, too.”

The event is charged at £240 per team of four, and each entry will buy Christmas boxes for 16 Derventio Housing Trust residents, who are in accommodation in five UK counties.

Quarry Crusher teams will be awarded prizes for the fastest time in their category, including all female, all male, mixed and veteran – over 40s – with other prizes to be announced.

Lesley Turner, training and development manager at Mount Cook, said: “We’re really excited to be hosting this untraditional triathlon!

“Teams will come away with an amazing bond and shared memories, so we’re hoping to see lots of local businesses come and join in for a unique CPD experience.”

For more information and to sign up for Quarry Crusher visit https://www.mountcook.uk/quarry-crusher.

To watch a short video about Derventio’s 2024 Christmas Box Appeal below, or visit YouTube, here.

To donate to the appeal, visit https://localgiving.org/charity/derventio.