YOU'VE probably heard of Yorkshire's famous triathlon brothers, Alistair and Jonny Brownlee.

But York is home to another pair of brothers, who began running triathlons 30 years ago and who say their new business organising them is booming.

Peter and Paul Mathieson, from Acomb, organise various events and will be hosting Ripon Triathlon next July.

It will be the first time the event has been a Triathlon England National Standard Distance Championship event and a GB Age Group Qualifier for the ITU Age Group World Championships.

The brothers will also be hosting two new Dirty Hero obstacle course challenges, and celebrating ten years in business by doing one of their triathlons.

The duo began doing triathlons in the 1980s, eventually competing in around 200 between them.

They set up their own business, Freebird Events, in 2007 and have organised 80 triathlons and seen more than 30,000 people take part, with participants aged from eight to an 86-year-old man.

“He finished to the loudest cheer of the day,” said Peter, 60, a former quantity surveyor and driving instructor.

Almost anyone can do a triathlon, he added, saying: “One lady hadn’t exercised for more than 20 years and weighed 18 stone. She began exercising and within two years lost six stone. She got fitter, did her first triathlon and has since done several more.”

The Mathiesons also coached more than 500 youngsters over the years, including Paralympic rowing gold medallist Laurence Whiteley.

They are keen for children, aged eight and above, to do more sport. “Triathlons are fun, boost confidence, kids make new friends and get time off the gadgets. Taking part can help to improve both physical and mental health,” said Paul, 51, a former electrician.

York Press:

Of course, it’s parents who often inspire their children and that’s what happened in Peter and Paul’s case. Their father raced on a fixed-wheel bike, with one gear, in Scotland before the war.

“He was brilliant, he’d finish work for the weekend then cycle from Aberdeen to Glasgow, more than 140 miles, for a Saturday morning time trial and then cycle home again,” said Peter.

“When I did my first open water swim in the North Sea I didn’t even wear a wetsuit, leading to hypothermia,” said Paul. “We just made do back then. Thankfully, it’s different now. But a triathlon is not an elitist sport, our triathlons are welcoming to everyone; there’s no need to feel overawed or worry if you don’t have flashy gear.”

The Other Brothers still do a couple of short runs each week, bike rides here and there and some dog walking, plus a bit of climbing if they’ve time.

They’re looking forward to a busy year of fun and fitness for themselves and others. Peter said: “You might just find you get hooked!”