The historic Hever Castle in Kent provided the backdrop to a festival of triathlon and multisport last weekend (26-27 September 2015), as thousands competed in a variety of different swim, bike, run distances – all captured by the cameras from Channel 4, Sky Sports and ITV Meridian.
This was the 7th edition of the annual Hever Castle Triathlon and most atmospheric yet, as competitors took on distances ranging from the new starter-sprint triathlon aimed at beginners, (200m swim, 10K bike and 2K run) up to the challenging Gauntlet middle distance triathlon (1.9K swim, 90K bike and 21K run).
Over a quarter of the field were first timers; a third took part last year; 800 camped next to the castle and thousands of spectators lined the course enjoying the festival like atmosphere in the event village – which included a live music stage, fun fair, balloon rides, archery and shopping village.
The event was rounded off by ‘the world’s biggest children’s triathlon’, with 1,600 children aged 7-15 taking part – many for the first time – in the supportive surroundings of the Hever Castle Estate.
A huge amount was raised for the Castle Triathlon Series official charity partner, the NSPCC, local charity Jigsaw South East and many more good causes – with attention particularly focused on little 7-year old Lily-Rose Bonn, who celebrated crossing the line of her first triathlon in the 8-10 year olds race having raised over £500 for the children’s charity (NSPCC).
In just seven years the Hever Castle Triathlon has swiftly established itself as a key destination for British and international triathletes, garnering plaudits and mainstream media attention for its picture postcard venue, elite action, age-group choice and festival atmosphere.
All the tri races begin with a swim in the spectacular 38 acre Hever Castle Lake with the Olympic and Gauntlet competitors taking on a further unique loop around the River Eden. This creates a spectacle that is rewarding for both the athletes and the spectators who can see one of the most exciting parts of the race up-close.
The undulating cycle takes athletes on a 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 racers. Those on The Gauntlet took on a specially designed 2-lap course. The largely off-road run circumnavigates the estate and award-winning castle grounds before making the dash to the tree-lined finishing chute beside the lake.
Next year’s event (taking place on 24/25 September 2016) is now open for registrations with a special 25% early bird discount.
Hever Castle Triathlon is part of the Castle Triathlon Series, which offers festival events for all levels from a 7 year old, to a 70 year old, a first timer to the elite at five beautiful castles around Europe.
www.castletriathlonseries.co.uk
