THREE Ballarat friends will participate in the London Triathlon without even stepping foot in the United Kingdom.
Greg Solomon, Brad Fry and Geert Vrij will participate in the international event at the same time as their UK competitors on August 3, to help raise awareness and funds for local charity.
Instead of zipping past Big Ben and the Thames, the trio will use Ballarat Grammar's pool and Lake Wendouree's running track to run, swim and ride their way through the Olympic-length course.
Competitors will swim 1.5 kilometres, ride 40 kilometres and run 10 kilometres.
The team will donate funds to the Mitrofanoff Support Australia, which provides support and information to individuals impacted by severe incontinence and bladder dysfunction.
Mr Solomon and his wife Janelle's daughter Lilah was born with the rare congenital condition bladder exstrophy.
 Greg Solomon, Brad Fry and Geert Virj will participate in the |
"She was born with a bladder on the outside of her body," Mrs Solomon said.
"It was unformed and attached to the skin."
After receiving Mitrofanoff surgery in 2012, Lilah, now aged ten, experiences a new way of life.
"There are a lot of people out there suffering in silence," Mrs Solomon said.
The team will begin the triathlon at 1am Ballarat time, to coincide with the 4pm London start time.
"We're hoping it doesn't snow for the cycle and run components, on what will be a freezing Ballarat winter's night," Mr Solomon said.
"I'm already training for the Melbourne Marathon ... so we have definitely been training".
The team have established a fundraising website at run.gofundraise.com.au/page/mitrofanoffaustralia
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