The Glasgow Triathlon Club tell me they are offering a rare opportunity to join the club for FREE. The joining fee for this leading Glasgow club would normally be £26 for the year, but from now until the end of the year new members can enjoy all the benefits of full membership but without the need to shell out one single penny of membership costs.

But why join the Glasgow Tri Club in the first place? Here is a list of all the benefits:

It’s a great club: The Glasgow Triathlon Club welcomes all fitness abilities and people from all backgrounds. You do not have to be a great runner, swimmer or cyclist to enjoy all the sessions. Every training session is geared to take account of different abilities and to help you to gain your own potential. The club is very friendly and offers a wide range of regular social outings. Many people h join the club make long and lasting friendships. (It is the one and only club that I have joined and remained a member of for many years!)

Access to a coordinated annual training programme: The club training sessions are based around an effective annual training plan that will prepare you for the summer race season. Membership includes access to the Annual Winter training week in Lanzarote and the Spring Training weekend.

Reduced rate at training sessions: Avoid the additional £1 surcharge payable by non-members for all training sessions including three swimming sessions each week, running training and cycle outings.

Bike Box Hire: High quality rigid bike boxes for hire from the club at a cost of £15 per week.

Hampden Park Sports Clinic: The club has an arrangement with the Sports Injury Clinic at Hampden Park for members to receive a 40% discount on treatment rates.

Dooleys Cycles: Racing specialists Dooleys Cycles, founded in 1951, is a family-run business specialising in custom-built bikes, wheel building and professional servicing. They provide an extensive range of cycles, clothing and accessories for beginners, amateur and professional cyclists. If they don’t have an item you want in stock they are happy to order in your request at reduced prices. Benefits include a 10% discount to club members. They will allow an advanced preview of bikes before sales begin and offer a reduced cost for maintenance.

Achilles Heel: A great running specialist shop for all things running. 10% off all products. Achilles Heel, 593 Great Western Road, Glasgow, G12 8HX

Sweatshop Anniesland: 10% discount on store products and clothing. Tel: 0141 586 9126.

Club Race Kit: High quality trisuits and other kit from ENDURA with club logo at a 20% reduction on the normal retail cost.

Club Facilities: Associate Membership of the GHK Club, Anniesland. Full access to the club’s bar facilities. There are extensive changing facilities which, as a member, you are free to use independently.

Access to the website and forum: This is a vital means of communication between club members and many ad hoc training sessions are arranged via the website.

Financial support for representing Great Britain: The club has provided financial assistance to 3 members representing Britain at the European Championships in Lisbon and World Championships in Vancouver.

Club Social Events: Club members are welcome at any of the many social gatherings including the Annual Award Ceremony and Dinner where club honours and prizes are awarded.

To join the Glasgow Triathlon Club for FREE  until the end of 2010 (it would normally cost £26 for the year) or to find out more details: contact [email protected] Check out the website at Glasgow Triathlon Club.