The Commonwealth Games mixed relay gold medalist and men’s silver medalist has been confirmed as a special guest and will race in a team.

Devonport Duathlon event director Mike Bonney said it was a coup for the event to secure the services of Birtwhistle.

“Triathlon Tasmanian with their president and CEO have close ties with Jacob and his family in Launceston and they took the initiative to engage him and the Devonport Duathlon dates fit for him,” Bonney said.

“It is great for the event, he will be racing in a team made up by people that show an interest in racing with him and it will be drawn out in a random draw.

“He will do some running, probably won’t get on the bike and we will get a couple people around him that will create some excitement for them and the event.”

Bonney said he would see if he could get Birtwhistle to be more involved at the event.

“We would hope to get him to speak, I am the master of ceremonies on the day and we will try to engage him as much as possible for the time that he is there.

“He is a quietly spoken guy, but hopefully we can engage him and he can sign some autographs.”

Bonney said anyone interested in racing in the team will have to enter their interest by email.

“We will be taking entries for the chance to race with Jake at info@ccsportsandevents.com.au.

“The entries must include a team name, preferred leg of bike or run and a comment on why they would like to compete with Jake.”

The Devonport Duathlon will take place on November 24.