1987 L. Ron Hubbard Triathlon

Image: Tri-Athlete (UK) May 1987

I’m not a member of any religion. But this race intrigues me. Maybe the sponsorship was a recruitment or PR move. I could have done it. As it took place only 10 miles from my home. Two days? Yikes. And I’m assuming the three sports would be done in the fitness centre. The hotel is now the Holiday Inn. And the 1970s-era foyer gets some attention online.

The UK Scientology Headquarters are in East Grinstead. And L.Ron actually lived there from 1959 until 1967. He should have sponsored the local East Grinstead pool triathlon. It was a cult race on the calendar in the late-80s and early-90s. It’s where you went to get schooled by Jessica Harrison or the Herbert Brothers. And was my second ever triathlon in 1989.