Billed as ‘one of life’s defining races’, The Bastion iron distance race has built a reputation as one of the toughest long course triathlons in the UK. The Bastion’s fifth race at Hever Castle in Kent is open for registration today (Friday 15 September) with early bird prices (25% discount) and ‘a world class goodie bag’ for next year’s event on Sunday 8 July 2018.
Set within close proximity to London (just 45 minutes), each leg of The Bastion has been carefully to ‘offer the ultimate challenge for both newcomers to long-distance triathlon and experienced long-course hands’. The Bastion, the final stronghold of a medieval castle, features a 3.8km river and lake swim, a true toughie of a 180km bike course with 3,000m of climbing, and a 42.2km run course that takes place largely off-road including running through the grounds of the castle in the Kent countryside.
The organising team at the Castle Triathlon Series note that.. ‘The Bastion’s reputation as a nurturing and ‘must do’ race is widely documented on Racecheck where it scores a compelling 4.7/5.0, with one competitor describing it as ‘one of life’s defining races’.’
Further endorsement comes from the reported stats of the competitors taking part – as in its third year, 36% of the competitors were competing for the third time.
The field of Bastion triathletes compete alongside the Hever Castle Festival of Endurance, which encourages over 1,000 competitors, and thousands more spectators, with its offering of multiple races and course options of various distances and training opportunities.
Not only does the Bastion full iron distance look after the athlete including a personal walk of the event village and course guidance from the Race Director, but it provides… ‘the ultimate spectator experience with the castle grounds, castle visit, village pubs and in the event village live music and children’s entertainment.’
The lapped course and athlete tracking means competitors can be seen regularly and supported as they edge closer to their finish line goal. The event organisers at the Castle Triathlon Series note that they are fully aware of the need to look after the followers and the need for cheering zones and support for the participants. The Castle Triathlon Series team offer ‘the ultimate competitor support with a team member joining any last runners for the final 10km stretch to keep them on a high for their finishing line moment!’
The national charity partner for the Castle Triathlon Series, including The Bastion, is Macmillan Cancer Support. Having supported triathletes for many years the charity raises valuable funds via competitors’ fundraising and in return offers a support service and fundraising pack. Athletes can get a free place in the 2018 Bastion in return for a £500 fundraising pledge.
www.castletriathlonseries.co.uk
