Triathletes from across the UK and internationally are looking forward to the next big event and inarguably the toughest challenge in the Castle Triathlon Series. All eyes will be on Hever Castle, Kent, on Sunday 12 July, for the second edition of The Bastion.
Billed as ‘a fiendishly difficult course’ for those who have entered, The Bastion is set within close proximity to London and triathlon’s heartland of the south-east. Entries for the long distance event close at midnight BST on Thursday 9 July.
The main event, The Bastion, consists of a 3.8K swim, 180K bike and 42K marathon run, all of which must be completed under a time of 17 hours, and this year the event has ‘more than doubled in size in terms of entry numbers.’
Also added this year will be two open water swim races and a long distance challenge aquathlon – making it the biggest Bastion yet. The event has attracted a wide range of athletes – ‘from first-timers looking to take on the mammoth distances for charity or the personal challenge, to professionals drawn by the prestigious title and £5,000 prize money.’
Designed by an ex-Royal Marine, each leg of The Bastion has been carefully planned to offer ‘the ultimate challenge for both newcomers to long-distance triathlon and experienced long-course hands, ensuring 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 recovery after this epic challenge begins immediately after with a complimentary hot meal and free sports massage.
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
