One of the biggest triathlon challenges in the UK is getting even bigger, with three new events added to the Hever Castle Bastion long-distance triathlon event, set for 10 July 2016, including the popular Gauntlet race.
Whilst The Bastion challenge remains ‘the ultimate long-distance experience in the UK’, it will be joined on the triathlon calendar by the now bi-annual Gauntlet middle distance triathlon, the Hever Long Swims and the Hever Long Aquabike.
The aquabike and open water swim events from the team at the Castle Triathlon Series aim to provide ‘the definitive long course supported training experience, as well as being competitive races in their own right, with all the atmosphere of a major triathlon running at the same time.’
Race Director Brian Adcock said ‘Adding more races to enter and a second Hever Castle Gauntlet is a natural extension to The Bastion and our activity at this event. The Gauntlet distance has grown in popularity, more than doubling in numbers since it was launched and as such, we wanted to give triathletes a second event in a year at the same location, to take on this unforgettable challenge.”
He continued, “The event itself offers a great spectator atmosphere with The Bastion race occurring concurrently, so Gauntlet competitors can also soak this up. All athletes have the opportunity to finish right by the historic Hever Castle.”
The full list of races which can now be entered include:
The Hever Gauntlet (1.9K/90K/21K)
The 1.9K swim is a single loop taking in the main Hever Castle lake and a tributary of the River Eden. The 90K cycle (2 loop course) winds its way through the stunning High Weald of Kent and the Ashdown Forest. The 21K run course (2 loops of 10.5K), follows largely off-road tracks and bridle paths between Hever Castle, through the historic local village of Chiddingstone, and the grounds of Chiddingstone Castle itself.
The Hever Long Distance Swim (1.9K or 3.8K)
The swim course leaves from the Italianate loggia taking competitors down the length of the main lake and heading into the scenic river section.This tributary of the River Eden wraps around 16 Acre Island allowing spectators to watch and cheer competitors on from only a few metres away.
The Hever Long Distance Aquabike (1.9K swim / 60K cycle or 3.8K swim / 120K cycle)
After the swim competitors head out on the fully marshalled and signed bike course with supported feed stations. This circular cycle route will take athletes out of Hever Castle, up through the High Weald of Kent before passing through and over the Ashdown Forest and into the village of Maresfield.
After a quick tour of the village, competitors retrace their steps to the top of the forest before returning to Hever via the historic and quintessentially English villages of Groombridge, Fordcombe and Penshurst. Finishers have the option of finishing with a gentle 4K run that circumnavigates the lake and stunning grounds of the Hever Castle estate.
The Hever Long Distance Aquathlon (1.9K swim / 10K run or 3.8K swim / 21K run)
After the swim (1 or 2 loops), competitors will embark on the 10K/21K run course, which follows largely off road tracks and bridle paths between Hever Castle, through the historic local village of Chiddingstone, and the grounds of Chiddingstone Castle itself before finishing right in front of the Castle.
All the events, including The Bastion long-distance triathlon, are now open for entry with an early bird 25% discount, with race places limited for 2016.
www.castletriathlonseries.co.uk
