WORKERS will be tapping into the competitive side that gives them the edge in business at a sporting event this weekend.

Employees from more than 50 Bolton firms of all sizes will be taking part in a Charity Triathlon Relay challenge on Sunday.

The event was organised by brothers Adam, Nick and Dom Pope—who are all business owners— as part of their Get Companies Active initiative.

The triathlon includes a 400m pool swim at Bolton One, an 18k bike ride which takes riders into the hills above Bolton and Horwich and finishes with a 5k run at Queens Park.

Each company has a three-strong team, with each member tackling one of the disciplines.

The Pope brothers called on the borough’s firms to get involved in the event back in July, after coming up with the idea as a way to keep staff ‘happy and energised'.

And they have been delighted by the response and take up from enterprises keen to test their sporting prowess against their peers.

Among those taking part are Barlow Andrews, Ives and Taylor, All Metal Services and Ask Drinks/The Queen Anne pub.

Adam Pope, who runs Get Claims Advice, in St George’s Square, said:

“I’m really pleased with the take up rate and the business community coming out and getting behind it.

“We’ve got a huge variety of teams, not one industry, we’ve got a real cross section of the business community, so I’m really chuffed, really pleased.”

And Mr Pope added that there has also been a real ‘mixed bag’ of ability levels and ages signing up, as well as a good split between men and women.

He continued: “People have loved the idea for sure. There’s a lot of enthusiasm behind the event and I think that shows in the number of teams that have signed up.”

And the competitive streak so important in business is coming to the fore as the big day draws near.

He said: “People are looking to get the bragging rights. The rivalry and competition is really hotting up and people are really keen to win. They want to get up on that podium and say ‘we are the best team in Bolton’.

“Quite a few companies are engaging in a bit of banter on social media and now it’s a case of seeing who the winners are.”

Running alongside the event is Sport in the Park – a fun day at Queens Park, where families can try their hand at a range of activities.

These include a rock climbing wall, total wipeout inflatables, Tae Kwondo, Thai boxing and trampolining.

There will also be a focus on old-style school sports such as the three-legged race, wheelbarrow race and the egg-and-spoon event.

All activities at the fun day can be entered on the day.

The triathlon begins with the swimming event at 8am, followed by the bike race and the 5k run.

Sport in the Park is held between 10am and 4pm

The event will raise money for Bolton Lads and Girls Club, Bolton Hospice and Urban Outreach.

For more details see getcompaniesactive.co.uk