This weekend, September 22-23, saw thousands of triathletes, runners and swimmers battle with the elements to take part in the 10th Hever Castle Triathlon including 14 different race distances ‘with something for all ages and levels’.
The Castle Triathlon Series organising team noted that the ‘weekend festival was about more than sport, but a celebration of participation marked by the Royal Navy Parachute Display team landing with a special anniversary flag, a night swim accompanied by jazz musicians and a Speaker Tent filled with celebrities giving inspirational talks.’
BBC Presenter and GB Triathlete, Louise Minchin, took to the stage and also dived in to the Night Swim and 10k run, enjoying the backdrop of Hever Castle and diverse event offerings. The 10-year birthday weekend hosted multiple sporting events including:
- Triathlons – The Gauntlet; Half Iron Distance, Olympic, Sprint-Plus, Super-Sprint, Starter Tri and three different junior races;
- Castle Runs – Half Marathon and 10k run;
- Castle Swims – 1 mile, 5k and 2.5k swims.
Saturday night saw the inaugural Night Swim light up the Italian loggia and pontoon as swimmers entered the iconic lake wearing glo-sticks. 120 swimmers completed one of three distances; 400m/750m or 1500m swim with a course that wound around lit buoys.
Junior triathletes took on ‘the largest junior event of its kind’ as 1,500 children aged 8-15 years old took part in various distances. The 11-15 year olds took part in an adapted event as it became a duathlon (run:bike:run) as recommended by British Triathlon.
BBC presenter and triathlete Louise Minchin enthused, “I’m so impressed, especially by the young athletes taking part in the Hever Castle Triathlon today in tough conditions. It was a great effort from everyone who raced.”
The Castle Triathlon team added that ‘Elites joined the many first timers and those that compete for fun to end their triathlon season with podium places. Prize ceremonies took place across all distances between multiple bands and the Rock Choir who also shared the stage and added to the festival offering of the event.’
A 30% discount is currently in place for the 2019 event, which is set to take part on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th September 2019.
