The Castle Triathlon Series team has launched new event formats to run alongside its own long-distance triathlon – the Bastion – at Hever Castle on 12 July 2015.
On offer are several long distance swim challenges, up to 3.8K in the unique river and lake at the castle in Kent, whilst those looking for that extra challenge can take on the new aquabike events, with similar swim distances and the added challenge of a 60K or 120K bike. All Aquabike competitors have the option of adding an optional 4K fully supported run at the end of their event to ‘make a quality brick session should they be training to go the full distance later in the year.’
The new challenge will be running on the same day, concurrently with The Bastion long-distance race, so will have ‘a fabulous atmosphere buoyed by the exciting pro race and hundreds of age groupers and their support taking part on the same course at the same time.’
The long distance swim and aquabike challenge are positioned as a perfect way to prepare for a long distance triathlon distance challenge or to ‘get an idea of what might await you next year should you return for the ultimate Castle Triathlon Series challenge and take on The Bastion 2016.’
The Castle Triathlon Series team adds that there’s a training option for everybody into long distance. After the swim athletes will head out on the fully marshalled and signed bike course with supported feed stations. This circular cycle route will take competitors 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 estate.
Event options include:
The Bastion at Hever Castle
12 July 2015
Registration/transition open: 06:30 BST
Start time: 08:00
The Long Distance Swim
1.9K (1 lap) £25
3.8K (2 laps) £40
Swimmers will deposit gear in their own area of transition, wear specific coloured hats to get a ‘Well Done’ medal as they exit the water. They can then relax and enjoy a complimentary bacon roll back at the Event Village.
The Long Distance Aquabike (with optional run)
1.9K swim/60K cycle with optional 4K finish off run £65
3.8K swim/ 120K cycle with optional 4K finish off run £100
Long Distance Aquabike athletes will deposit gear in their own area of transition, wear specific coloured hats to get a ‘Well Done’ medal as they finish. They can also relax and enjoy a complimentary bacon roll back at the Event Village.
Designed by an ex-Royal Marine, each leg of the long distance Bastion triathlon has been carefully planned to offer ‘the ultimate challenge for both newcomers to long-distance triathlon and experienced long-course hands’. According to the Castle Triathlon Series, this ensures that there will be plenty of drama played out over the day and across the 140.6 mile course.
The 3.8K swim course leaves from the Italianate loggia taking competitors down the length of the main lake before passing the Japanese tea house and heading into the scenic river section. The swim section is partnered with Speedo as an official sponsor.
The 180K three loop bike course involves around 2,000 metres of ascent covering ‘areas of outstanding beauty’ in the High Weald of Kent before passing through Hartfield and over the Ashdown Forest. The bike route is partnered with British cycling brand VO2 Cycling.
The four lap run route is mainly an off-road trail marathon run. It circumnavigates the two estates of Hever and Chiddingstone Castles before an iconic finish infront of the Hever Castle drawbridge that once gave passage to King Henry VIII into one of his Royal homes.
The Bastion is part of the Castle Triathlon Series, ‘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.’
- Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon – 24 May 2015
- Hever Castle Evening Series – various throughout June and July
- Cholmondeley Castle Triathlon – 28 June 2015
- The Bastion at Hever Castle – 12 July 2015
- Long distance Aquabike and Open Water Swim Challenge at Hever Castle – 12 July 2015
- Castle Howard Triathlon – 25-26 July 2015
- Château de Chantilly Triathlon – 29-30 August 2015
- Hever Castle Triathlon – 26-27 September 2015
www.castletriathlonseries.co.uk
