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 Runnerare 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 KirkstonePass, 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 courseAug 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.
