Royal Watch News

Pippa Middleton pulls out of triathlon

Feb 7, 2013, 12:02 GMT

Pippa Middleton on one of her earlier challenges

Pippa Middleton has pulled out of taking part in a triathlon in New Zealand.

The socialite sister of the Duchess of Cambridge is joining her family and Prince William in the Caribbean rather than taking on the gruelling 151 mile Speight's Coast-to-Coast trek, which involves running, cycling and white water kayaking, and takes place this weekend.

Pippa had expressed her intention to take part in the event in a magazine column last year.

Pippa had written in a one-off piece for The Spectator magazine: 'Another year, another challenge. For the last four years, I have given myself a feat to accomplish, from sailing the Atlantic to climbing Mont Blanc. It may sound dauntingly hearty, but really it's just good fun, plus it provides some routine, discipline and fitness.

'This year it was the Vasaloppet cross-country ski race in March, the longest and largest ski race in the world.

'Next year I am hoping to do the Coast-to-Coast in New Zealand, which is a triathlon (running, cycling and kayaking) from the South Island to Sumner Beach on the Pacific. It's in February, so I'd better hold back on the food and drink, starting now. Happy Christmas everyone.'

Organisers of the event are said to be baffled as to why Pippa has not signed up as expected and whether she has decided against the challenge completely or just deferred her entry.

Michael Jacques, Media Manager of the Speight's Coast to Coast, told website MailOnline: 'The interest created by Pippa Middleton participating in the Speight's Coast to Coast certainly generated more international interest in the event. So we have to thank her for that. But unfortunately it has yet to generate an entry from Miss Middleton herself.

'At this stage we think she is unlikely to be a starter. The Speight's Coast to Coast is a gruelling event that requires a lot of planning and also proficiency requirements such as white water kayaking certificates, not to mention months of training and a committed support crew.'