Prominent triathlete and respected artist Vanessa Raw will design the medal for the 2016 Windsor Triathlon, to be held on Sunday 12 June. Vanessa, who was crowned Queen of Windsor in 2010, is now taking on another type of challenge as she uses her artistic skills to create a must-have reward that will be given to each of the 3,000 finishers as they cross the line.

For many years Vanessa Raw has been balancing a hectic elite training schedule with time in the studio creating her landscapes and portraits. Both worlds will meet for her latest piece, giving every person who enters the historic event a chance to take a piece of her art home. Vanessa has already submitted her design, which will be revealed in the weeks leading up to the Windsor Triathlon.

Since its debut in 1991 tens of thousands of participants have competed in the Windsor Triathlon, becoming one of the most popular triathlons in the UK. Several distances are on offer in the historic and beautiful surroundings of Windsor Castle, including Sprint, Olympic and relay options. New waves recently launched allow a limited number of triathletes to avoid Saturday registration and rack on-the-day for the first time. The Mates Waves will give friends, family members and rivals the chance to race alongside each other regardless of age and gender.

Vanessa Raw said “Windsor Triathlon holds a lot of fond memories, with it also being the first Olympic Event I ever took part in. When asked to design the medal, I was pleased to be able to give something back. Hope all the competitors have a fantastic experience too!”. Vanessa’s website for her art is www.vanessarawart.com

Nick Rusling, CEO of organisers Human Race, said “We are all massive fans of Vanessa’s work, so were thrilled when she agreed to work with us on this project. Having been champion of the Windsor Triathlon in 2010 she knows the event inside out, and has come up with something elegant and pertinent. This is a very special medal, that every triathlete professional or amateur will want to add to their collection.”

Thousands of people are already signed up to compete at the Windsor Triathlon on Sunday 12 June, with only limited places remaining. To secure your place visit www.humanrace.co.uk/windsortriathlon