The location, course and weather could not be faulted at the fourth Castle Howard Triathlon, which took place on Sunday 21 July, with classic architecture and glorious weather inspiring and motivating all 1,200 competitors who took part.
Part of the Markel Castle Triathlon Series, the Castle Howard Triathlon is set on the southern border of the North York Moors. There was a strong elite pool with a mixture of regular age groupers and new talent checking the event out.
On Sunday 21 July, the afternoon was alive alive with parents supporting and 300 juniors racing – including 65 pairs of siblings taking part on the Brownlee Brothers’ home turf.
The festival promise of the event was delivered with free archery, falconry, a climbing wall, live music and locally sourced food stalls. All of which were enjoyed by the many spectators staying for the day and soaking up the atmosphere.
Race Director, Brian Adcock commented on the fourth event of the Markel Castle Triathlon Series this year: “The day was a huge success and the feedback has been overwhelming. I took a moment after the adult swim starts had finished appreciating the sea of people cheering on the competitors whilst enjoying food and drinks on the castle grounds.”
He added, “It is a natural progression for us to be extending the event to a full weekend next year and launching the 112.9K race distance, The Gauntlet in the North of England.”
For those participants who didn’t already have a chosen charity, triathletes were encouraged to raise money for the Markel Castle Triathlon Series national charity Help for Heroes, and local charity York Against Cancer.
The stunning surrounding scenery with Castle Howard’s 10,000 acres forms arguably the most physically challenging triathlon course of the series. Triathletes start the race by swimming the Castle Howard Great Lake before transitioning into the technical cycle route. With one lap for the Sprint and two laps for both the Mid and Olympic distance the cycle leg passes through the undulating countryside surrounding the estate.
Triathletes run through the estate, taking in the historic monuments along the way, again with one lap for the Sprint and two laps for the Mid-Distance and Olympic races. The race ends with triathletes literally running into the front entrance of this truly magnificent Castle.
The 2013 Markel Castle Triathlon Series offers a high quality, competitive and safe race set in beautiful grounds and truly spectacular surroundings. Over 1,000 are expected at the forthcoming Château de Chantilly Triathlon (25 August) – with 5,000 at the flagship Hever Castle Triathlon (28-29 September).
www.castletriathlonseries.co.uk
