Over 3,500 adults and children, including 50 families, came from all over the UK to take part in the Markel Hever Castle Triathlon last weekend. The childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Hever Castle provided a spectacular backdrop for this, the final event in the 2011 Castle Triathlon Series, with competitors raising money for Help for Heroes and Jigsaw4u.
The Castle Triathlon Series has grown dramatically since its conception in 2009 and attracted over 5,000 participants for all of this year’s events, held at three castles in the UK and one in France. Now in its third year, the Markel Hever Castle Triathlon is the third largest triathlon in the country and one of the largest children’s tri events in Europe (450 children took part this weekend). Participants of all ages and abilities competed, from first timers and families through to elite triathletes.
Mark Threlfall, the 2011 Series winner said “I am really pleased with my result and have loved all four races. Signing up for next year is a sure thing. This is my last race this season and what a great way to finish!”
Triathletes started with an open-water swim in the magnificent 38-acre Hever Castle Lake, followed by the cycle which took place on a 20K circuit through the High Weald of Kent, an area of outstanding natural beauty, with one lap for the sprint and two laps for the Olympic distance. The runners circumnavigated the estate and castle grounds before making the dash to the finishing line beside the lake.
Duncan Leslie, Chief Executive of Hever Castle, was delighted to host the Castle Triathlon Series again, “The landscape, beauty and space that Hever Castle and gardens provide is a fabulous environment for this event. We are thrilled to be part of the prestigious Castle Triathlon Series and it is terrific to see how quickly the event has established itself within the triathlon calendar.”
Six races took place over the course of the two-day event weekend, each one themed to reflect the history of the 13th century castle and its association with Anne Boleyn. This year the event also attracted hundreds of women, who registered for the women-only waves.
Race Director, Brian Adcock commented “The stunning surroundings of Hever Castle assured that this event continues to draw a large field of participants. We were particularly impressed with the standard of the elite racers, along with the strong entries and interest from children and families this weekend. The Castle Series is really going places and we are looking forward to building on it with more entries and another stunning venue being added to the portfolio next year.”
Hugh Maltby, a director at Markel insurance, which has recently signed to sponsor the 2012 series and has lent its name to this year’s Hever event, said “I competed with my two sons, and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience, the fine weather and the beautiful setting. Markel is delighted to be sponsoring the Castle Triathlon Series and I look forward to taking part in the next event.”
The Castle Triathlon Series has confirmed a two-year title sponsorship deal with Markel, a worldwide specialist insurer. The title sponsorship sees the series rebranded as the Markel Castle Triathlon Series, starting with the Markel Hever Castle Triathlon this past weekend, and covering events throughout the 2012 and 2013 seasons.
Insurance business Markel already has a range of sporting interests, including sponsoring top jockeys William Buick and Sam Thomas, as well as sponsoring races at Glorious Goodwood – most recently the Markel Insurance Nassau Stakes, one of the premiere races of the flat season. The company also sponsors an annual charity boxing event in London, and has interests in football and rugby.
In Canada, Markel is the part owner of All Sport, one of the country’s leading sports insurers.
