Race Information
This is general race information – briefing notes specific
to 2014 race will be added nearer to the race date
This race is somewhat different to the normal run of
the mill triathlon and will require a little more thought and preparation
than many races. This is particularly relevant if you are not used to
the narrow and twisty nature of Lakeland roads and are not used to running
in the environmentally very sensitive fells of this area. PLEASE TAKE
TIME TO STUDY THESE NOTES even if you are a very experienced triathlete.
The cycle route is long and hilly, but it is relatively straightforward.
The run is as you should know a mix of track, fell and road. It will
massively assist you if you study the course on a good map beforehand,
OS Outdoor Leisure 5 is ideal; the map on the website is intended only
as an indication and is not sufficient to navigate by effectively.
Race Withdrawals
If you wish to withdraw from the race please email via
contact us with the race name, your name
and your sagepay reference code (should start tri2011h…) Withdrawals
will be made up to the race day. The date for refunds has now passed
Entry updates – Club, Swim time, Emergency contact
details
If you have not provided the correct details on your
initial entry these can be updated by yourself by logging on to Entrylive.com,
go to View My Events and click on the title of the race in your basket.
Changes made will be amended in your race info up to one week prior
to the race. Please do not provide another competitor as your emergency
contact details, this needs to be someone who is not taking part in
the race.
Race HQ Location
Race Location is at Park Foot Camping and Caravan Site,
Pooley Bridge, CA10 2NA.
Car Parking
You must park in the designated triathlon field. Please
do not park elsewhere on the camp site. Parking on Howtown road is not
permitted as this will jeopardise safety, upset local residents and
generate complaints to local police. There is a massive amount of room
in the triathlon field and you couldn’t get closer. The entrance
into the car park will be from Howtown Rd via the first right turn,
this however is a very blind turn back out onto the road so you will
not be allowed to leave this way, please leave the car park by going
out into the main part of the campsite and out on the main track, as
shown on the transition plan.
Accommodation
Camping and caravan facilities are first rate. If you
do plan to camp please use in the field set aside for the triathlon
as indicated on the plan. You will need to be up early on race day and
it is unfair to disturb other campers not connected with the race. This
field should also be quieter the night before. Triathlon Field Plan.
Before pitching please register and pay at the main site reception.
Inform them that you are with the triathlon and they will direct you
to the appropriate area. The camp field is next to the lake, I suggest
insect repellent be included on your kit list. Please be aware, Park
Foot is a large camp site and is occasionally targeted by travelling
criminals. Do not leave equipment, bikes etc, insecure in or on vehicles
unattended. In general if you see something you are not happy about
make a note and report it to the local police.
Registration
Registration will be in the marquee on the triathlon
field Saturday between 3-5pm. There will be emergency registration only
on the Sunday morning time, see current briefing notes. Sunday will
be a long day for athletes and marshals alike so we need to get started
promptly. If you can’t register on the Saturday please let us
know and please ensure you turn up in good time on Sunday morning. If
you paid the lower BTF members entry fee you must produce your current
BTF race licence. If not then you will need to pay an extra £4
for a day licence. This is for insurance purposes. If we are not happy
you have valid insurance we can’t let you race, so no arguments
on this please. If you are not a British Triathlon member and have paid
the non BTF member entry fee you will be issued with a BT day license.
At registration you will receive a goody bag containing, race numbers,
bike tag, race shirt if you have ordered and paid for one and other
race goodies.
Please check that you have been given the correct timing chip – it should
have the same number on it as your race number.
Numbers
You will be issued with 2 numbers, a bike tag and timing
chip at registration. One number is to be displayed to the front for
the run and the other to the rear for the cycle section. You can use
race belts but please ensure your number is clearly displayed as above.
Do not pin the middle of your number to the belt as it will fold in
half and be impossible to read. Race number needs to be visible for
the benefit of race officials and time keepers. Please write your emergency
contact details on the back of your race number. If you have any medical
conditions which you have informed us of and feel that they are relevant
to the race please write these on the back of your race number as well.
Race belts will be available to buy at registration.
Timing Chip
You will be given an orange timing chip and neoprene
ankle strap at registration. Please immediately attach the chip to the
strap. If you find that you have to force it on you are doing it incorrectly,
please ask rather than damage the strap. Put it on as soon as you are
issued with it at registration. If you leave it in your car, house,
kit bag, you won’t get a time.
Top Tip ~ Don’t wear the chip on top of your wetsuit.
Please avoid crossing the timing mats once the race has started other
than to record your time. Your chip will be removed very shortly after
crossing the finish line, however should you manage to escape from the
finish corral before your chip is removed avoid crossing any of the
timing mats. THERE WILL BE A £10 FEE FOR LOST OR NON-RETUNED CHIPS
and remember…we know where you live!
Relay Teams; Your timing chip is your baton. Your swimmer must wear
it around the ankle first then hand it to your cyclist who must attach
it to their ankle before moving his/her bike. Same procedure cyclist
to runner transition, bike must be racked before handover. Cyclist must
wear race number to the rear and runner to the front. Changeover point
is at your bike position in transition. Chip must be worn around either
ankle in order to record a time as you cross the mat.
Transition area
 The
transition area situated next to the registration marquee, see plan
below.
The transition area is strictly for competitors and officials only.
This is for safety and security.
You can rack your bike on race day only, transition will open for racking
from 6:45am
Please attach the bike tag to your bike, suggest around the saddle rail
as shown, before checking into transition. This tag will be checked
against your race number when you remove your bike from transition after
the race.
In the transition area you will find rows of numbered bike racking.
Rack your bike at the space corresponding to your race number. Place
everything that you will need for your bike and run near to your bike.
There is enough, but not a lot of room. Remove any large bags or boxes
or place them to the edge of the transition area. Please make sure you
rack your bike the right way round the saddle should be hung over the
rail and with the numberunder the nose of the saddle. The bikes rack
alternate sides giving you more room.
Please also note that the use of mobile phones and ipods, etc is prohibited
in the transition area as well as out on the bike and run courses.
Transition Flow
Familiarise yourself with the way you will come in from the swim and
where you exit onto the cycle route, and then where you come back. The
transition area will close prior to the race briefing. So arrive in
plenty of time.
Toilets and changing facilities
There are toilets in the triathlon field as well as toilets and showers
in the adjacent camping field. There is also a massive toilet and shower
block behind the main site reception on the other side of Howtown Road
approximately 300m away. You will need a 20p piece for a 6 minute hot
shower.
Race Briefing
This will take place in the transition area prior to the start of
the races and is compulsory for all entrants, the race briefing will
cover route and discipline reminders and any last minute changes which
have been made. Attendance is important. Time will be tight, be in your
wetsuit and ready to get in the water immediately the brief finishes.
Rules
The race will be sanctioned by British Triathlon Federation and is
subject to BTF rules. There will be British Triathlon Race officals
both static and mobile. There are many rules governing triathlons/duathlons
which can be studied at the British Triathlon website if desired. However,
listed are a few of the more basic ones that often upset race officials
and other competitors alike.
• Helmets; Must be worn and fastened before you remove your bike
from the racking and until you place it back on the racking before your
second run.
• Drafting or taking pace during the cycle section is not allowed.
There must be at least 7m between cyclists on the road. If you are overtaken
you must drop back at least that distance before trying to regain your
place. This link explains it very well
• Transition area; No cycling in the transition area. The mount/dismount
points will be pointed out at the race briefing. Helmets shoes and other
equipment must be stored neatly at your racking spot so as not to impede
other competitors. Transition space is limited only bring what you need
for the race into transition.
• Marshals and officials are all volunteers and the race could
not take place without them. Any abuse will result in disqualification.
Please refer any dispute to the race official.
• No outside assistance. If you puncture or have mechanical problems
once the race has started you have to fix them yourself. No handing
up of food or drinks from anyone else. You have to carry or leave in
transition what you require. The drinks station in transition is an
exception to this rule as it is provided for all competitors.
• No Litter. If you need to take energy bars, gels etc. make sure
that you dispose of the wrappers appropriately. The easiest way is to
tuck it in the leg of your shorts, you won’t know it’s there.
Anyone caught littering during the race will be disqualified.
Health and Hygiene
Before arriving at the race please ensure that your wetsuit is cleaned
and dried from you previous swim. We ask you to do this to prevent the
spread of invasive species. After the race please clean your wetsuit
again
Please and read the document about Invasive Species
There are simple practises that swimmers should be advised to adopt
to minimise the risk of infections further:
• Cover all cuts and abrasions, however minor, with sticking plasters.
You should not consider swimming if you have deep cuts.
• Wash hands in fresh water before eating after you have swum.
• Take a full shower at the earliest opportunity.
• Try not to ingest water whilst swimming.
• In addition all swimming kit (wetsuit, costume, goggles, hats
etc.) should be washed in clean water and thoroughly dried before the
next session/event.
There will be medical cover at the event at the swim exit, the finish
and the run aid station. However, this is a long and tiring race, please
consider your own fitness before you start. If you are unwell or unfit
through other activities in the lead up to the race, don’t start
the race. If you have immune system issues, make sure you take appropriate
care. Please write your emergency contact details on the back of your
race number. If you have any medical conditions which you have informed
us of and feel that they are relevant to the race please write these
on the back of your race number as well.
Race Route
Swim 1.2 mile; There will be 3 swim waves based on
declared swim time given on your entry form. Fastest swimmers will go
in the first wave, slowest in the last wave. Please swim in your allocated
wave, failure to do so will result in incorrect time calculation and
make you subject to an additional time penalty. If you did not include
an estimated swim time please follow the instructions at the top of
this page to enter one. If the water temperature is below 13C the swim
will have to be shortened, these are BT rules.
There will be safety kayaks and a rescue launch. If you get into difficulty,
don’t panic, it’s hard to sink in a wetsuit. Lie on your
back and hold an arm directly upwards, one of the kayaks will then attend
to you. They will then tow you to the shore or to the safety launch
if necessary.In response to feedback from 2012 race there will now be
sighting bouys placed part way along the route on both the long stretches.
the kayakers will be there to prevent you going too far adrfit but as
with all parts of the triathlon it is your responsibility to know the
course and turn in the correct places.
Cycle 56 miles; VISIBILITY IS OFTEN POOR ON THE PASS
TOPS. YOU MUST HAVE A WORKING REAR LIGHT FITTED TO YOUR BIKE. It is
a one lap bike circuit with a couple of challenging climbs. see route
The roads will all be open to other traffic. It is your responsibility
to negotiate safely around the route and to comply with all road traffic
regulations. The traffic lights on Pooley Bridge will be disabled for
a short time to allow for competitors to get through, however the road
will still be open so there will be other vehicles on the bridge. YOU
MUST CROSS THE BRIDGE IN SINGLE FILE ONLY. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT
IN YOUR DISQUALIFICATION. There will be marshals and a police presence
here. The Kirkstone Pass is a long hard climb with the steepest part
very near the top, but it’s not as severe as The Struggle (Helvellyn
Tri) profile. The descent from Kirkstone Top should be enjoyable, but
there are corners that can catch you out, please take care. When you
leave the A6 (approx 46miles) and head to Askham there are 2 right turns.
They are both on quiet unclassified roads, but extra care is needed.
They will be marshalled.
Shortly after the first of these right turns and as you pass through
the grounds of Lowther Castle where there are 3 cattle grids. The first
two are straightforward enough, but beware that there is a third one
at the bottom of the hill just after a left hand curve in the road.
As this is a public road we can’t cover them, if you are not happy
cycling over cattle grids I suggest you stop and walk over them, however
they should not present a problem for any reasonably competent cyclist.
The second right turn is in Askham. The route will be signed and all
key points will be marshalled, however it is the competitor’s
responsibility to know the route, so at least check it out on a reasonable
map, better still drive it or ride it prior to the race. It is a long
hard ride, you will need food with you and I would suggest 2 drinks
bottles which you should make sure you consume before arriving at T2.
ALL MARSHALS ARE ASSISTANT RACE OFFICIALS. IF THEY CONSIDER THAT YOU
ARE RIDING DANGEROUSLY THEY WILL REPORT IT TO THE OVERALL RACE OFFICIAL.
THERE IS ONLY ONE SANCTION FOR DANGEROUS RIDING – DISQUALIFICATION.
Run 13 miles;. You must bring into transition some
form of bag containing full body cover, this means items of clothing
that will cover your body in addition to anything you are already wearing
to race in and is intended that this will help protect you from the
affects of adverse weather should you get into difficulty on the fell,
foil survival blanket, whistle, compass and ability to use it if necessary,
and suitable map of the route – a print out of the route map from
the website is not acceptable. At the race briefing we will announce
whether or not taking your poor weather kit with you on the run will
be compulsory. If it is made compulsory you will be checked going out
of transition that you have it with you, if you don’t take it
with you, you will be DISQUALIFIED. The run is a mix of road, path and
fell. Footwear is your choice, I strongly recommend fell shoes, racing
flats are not suitable. There will be an Aid Station which you will
pass at about 5.5 miles and 9.5 miles. This will be situated where the
two loops of the route come together near to the rear of the Howtown
Hotel. Water and food will be available at the Aid Station. If you wish
we will take a drinks bottle for you to the run Aid Station for you.
Please ensure that your race number is displayed on the bottle and place
in correct basket outside the registration marquee on Sunday morning.
If taking a drink at the aid station YOU MUST STOP, DRINK AND DEPOSIT
YOU CUP IN THE BIN PROVIDED BEFORE CONTINUING. The slinging of plastic
cups will result in your disqualification.
In the event of poor weather, particularly poor visibility, the run
route may be changed. I have seen snow in June in this area. Please
do not put yourself, fellow competitors and the rescue services as risk
by not being suitably prepared. The last 3 ½ miles of the run
are on-road.
Litter; This section should not be necessary, however it is. This race
takes place in an environmentally sensitive area; it is not acceptable
to drop any litter, energy bar/gel wrappers or anything else on any
part of the course. It is a criminal offence and if caught doing so
by any race official will result in disqualification. It is easy to
tuck any wrappers etc into the leg of your shorts while you are racing
and dispose of correctly when you finish.
Fell runners please note:- in triathlon the idea is that everyone does
the same route. This also applies to the swim and the bike. Taking short
cuts will result in disqualification and for the reasons given above
may also jeopardize the future of the event.
Contingency Plans
Swim – If there is any reason why the swim can’t go ahead then the
swim will be replaced with a short run around Park Foot, distance to
be confirmed, but will only be long enough as necessary to split the
field up enough to avoid drafting on the cycle section
Cycle – If part of the cycle course becomes unsuitable then an alternative
course will be considered or if delays are anticipated on part of the
course, eg. temporary traffic lights, then a deduction in time will
be made for affected riders. If there is any reason why the cycle section
can’t go ahead then the race will be a swim/run (aquathlon)
Run – If there are any reasons why the run can’t take place on the footpaths
it will be re-routed along roads, which will be dependant on the location
and nature of the issue. If the run needs to be cancelled the race will
finish at the end of the bike section.
TriHard will always endeavour to put on a race of some format for you.
Drinks & Feed Station
Drinks will be available on each transition exit and at the finish
courtesy of A1 Multisports. There will also be food at the finish. There
will be a Feed Station at the top of Shap fell on the bike where there
will be water and bananas, and on the run at Howtown which you pass
through twice. If you want to have specific nutrition of your own leave
it at the bottle drop at registration and it will be taken there. These
will be left out on a table and you will need to stop and locate your
own, the marshals will not be able to hand food/bottles to you.
Cut-Off Times
It is our intention to give everyone who can finish the course the
opportunity to do so; however it is unreasonable to expect marshals
to stay on their posts for an indefinite period. You should be aware
that if you pass a particular point after the cut-off time you will
be doing so in the knowledge that there will be no further marshal assistance
and that you do so entirely at your own risk. You will be instructed
to remove your chip and marked as DNF.
Cycle Route
Pooley Bridge 1 mile 09:25:00
Kirkstone Pass 16 miles 10:45:00
Turn from A6 to Askham 45 miles 13:00:00
Cycle end 56 miles 14:15:00
Run Route
Aid Station 1 5.5.miles 15:45:00
Marshals; Are all volunteers, races cannot happen without them. They
are there purely to indicate the route and arrange assistance if required.
They cannot in law stop or direct traffic and will be directed not to
do so.
First Aid
First Aiders will be around the course and will be positioned at the
top of Kirkstone Pass, at the Feed Station at Howtown and at the finish.
If you require first aid during the race please approach them or speak
to a marshal who should be able to make contact with them. Again if
you suffer from any medical condition relevant to the race please make
us aware on your entry and also write this on the back of your race
number along with emergency contact details.
Spectators
The roads around the lake and up to the top of the Kirkstone Pass
are very narrow with few parking places. Please try to avoid taking
your car on the race route there during the race to watch the bike section
as you will disrupt the race.
Prize Presentation
There will be a presentation at time tbc. Please be patient, the more
you hassle the longer it takes. Prizes will be given per category depending
on the number of entrants in the category.
Results
Provisional results will be posted on the TriHard home page later
on the day of the race. Full results will be available two or three
days after the race.
Any sensible questions not answered here please email via Contact
Us. Replies will be brief as these are many of you and few of us.
Most importantly have a very safe and enjoyable day.
Rob Wilkins
Race Director.
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