Dear Athlete,

 

The Helvellyn Tri is drawing ever nearer and I know that your training will steadily building towards the peak of human physical potential for September 7th. Below are updates about this year’s race.

 

Withdrawals and Refunds

 

  • I know that this email will generate a whole batch of withdrawal and refund requests as some realise that their training is not going well, or that they have found something else that they would rather do. I do enjoy reading the reasons that people come up with for having to withdraw from the race, it’s always a popular day for best mates surprise weddings. Some may genuinely be injured, a lame excuse (pun intended). There were well over 100 withdrawals in the last few weeks leading up to the event last year so I am sure you will understand my scepticism. This creates an administrative nightmare. The withdrawals and refund policy is as stated and agreed to when you entered. If the event fills and a reserve can be found a refund minus £10 will be paid. Entries cannot be carried over to future years.

 

Start Time and Registration

 

  • Registration will be at the marquee on the transition field next to the Pier in Glenridding from 2pm–6pm on Saturday 6th. There will also be limited registration before the race start on Sunday 7th by prior arrangement from 7am-8am. Transition will be open for bike racking on Sunday morning only. The race start will be in 3 waves at 8.30,8.45 and 9am. The waves will be based on category not swim times.

 

Equipment

 

  • Wetsuits will be compulsory. If you want to use a sleeveless one you may. Very Important; The run is in the high fells which can be a dangerous place if you are not prepared. The temperature on the top can be near freezing even in summer. People die on Helvellyn (fortunately not in our race) and this year has regrettably been no exception.  You will be DQed if you leave the bike–run transition without some sort of pack. In your pack you must have full body weather cover, map, compass, whistle, food and drink. The contents of your pack may be checked by the summit marshal. You will also need footwear suitable for a fell run. It is your choice, but please be aware this is not a course for thin soled racing flats. Lakes Runner are helping out with the race and can provide all of the equipment you require. The Montane Featherlight range is ideal. Lakes Runner can provide Montane equipment at 25% discount for Helvellyn entrants.
  • Hydration. Infinit nutrition are also supporting the race again. They are offering a special Helvellyn Mix sports drink and a ‘Repair’ recovery drink for less than the normal price. They also offer an excellent hydration pack which is ideal for the race with just enough storage space to carry the equipment listed above. This link will give you details INFINIT . To get the discount use the discount code TRIHARD.

 

The Route

 

  • Please familiarise yourself with the route if at all possible. The Struggle, three mile climb to the top of the Kirkstone Pass, will be closed to other traffic from 9.30am to 12.30pm for the race. If you arrive there after that time you will have to contend with vehicular traffic.
  • The BaseCamps are offering a series of Helvellyn Triathlon specific training courses. The full weekend course  Aug 15th-17th was a massive success last year, totally independent of ourselves I received only extremely positive feedback about last year’s training weekend.

 

Accommodation

 

  • If you haven’t booked accommodation in Glenridding yet I suspect you are too late now. You will have to look further afield. Keswick and Ambleside are both about 20 mins drive from Glenridding and have a lot of accommodation. There is a camp site in the village Gillside Camp Site. They don’t take bookings for tents and they will be full early the weekend of the race. Please use Google or other search engines, I don’t have details of vacant accommodations.

 

 

 

Rob Wilkins