2024 Competitor Guide

CASTLE RACE SERIES COMPETITOR GUIDE 2024

ALL RACES

Dear Competitor

Congratulations on signing up for a Castle Race Series event. Whatever race you’re taking on - triathlon, duathlon, aquabike, aquathlon, swim or run - you have a challenge ahead.

Our goal is to make your race a truly memorable experience both for you and your supporters. Our courses are some of the most beautiful in Europe, taking in areas of outstanding beauty and significant historical interest.

We want you to soak up the atmosphere, see the sights and make the castle grounds and the stunning surrounding countryside your playground for the day.

The castle, pubs, hoteliers, B&B owners and locals are all ready to help you have a great experience. Whether it be in the preparation before the race, enjoying your weekend in the surrounding area or helping your supporters be in the right place at the right time to cheer you on in your race, everyone is here to ensure you have a fantastic race weekend.

This is your challenge and we encourage you to Race Your Way. See you on the start line.

Race Director

“The marshalls at this event were second to none; smiley, friendly, helpful, encouraging, supportive..I could go on! The event itself was seamlessly organised with so many options to suit everybody. A beautiful venue as are all the Castle Series (that I've been to). What a great day!”

- Helen S

Very well run event! Great experience from registration to post event. Would highly recommend and looking forward to next year already !

- Andrew B.

TRIATHLON AND MULTISPORT FESTIVAL

TRIATHLON

PRE-RA PREPAR

ACE RATION

WHEN YOU WILL HEAR FROM US

We will be in touch in the run up to your race to make sure you have all the information you need to prepare for and enjoy race day.

2 & 1 MONTH TO GO MONTHLY EMAILS

2 months out from your event we will be in touch with monthly emails with helpful preparation information. View course maps.

2 WEEKS TO GO FULL RACE DETAILS

2 weeks before your event, we will share full race details including a detailed video briefing with you via email and our website event page.

2 WEEKS TO GO WAVE START TIMES

Your start time will be shared via email, so that you know what time your race begins on the day and what time to arrive at the venue.

A FEW DAYS TO GO ON THE DAY CONDITIONS

On the day conditions such as water temperature and weather updates will be posted on the Events Page and sent to you via text message

PRE-RACE PREPARATION

We have partnered with experts across coaching, equipment and recovery to help you get to the start line fully prepared.

EQUIPMENT

Scimitar Sports

Look the part when you’re training in one of our Castle Race Series t-shirts. Share your photos using #CastleRaceSeries so we can see you in action.

Read more

Tri Wetsuit Hire

Need to hire a wetsuit? This is a really easy, quick and affordable solution for making sure you have a high performance, technical wetsuit for your race with a special Castle Race Series discount CASTLE10.

Read more

Yonda

Looking to buy a wetsuit? Yonda wetsuits are built with technical neoprene panels, the right balance of flexibility and buoyancy and will aid your swim style.

Read more

On Your Bike

Leave your bike at home and rent one for the event. On Your Bike offers three different types of bikes for your event – hybrid, road and carbon road. Starting from £69 and with a special 10% discount for all competitors using code CASTLE24

Read more

COACHING

Tri Training Harder

TTH specialise in innovative coaching for individuals and groups. They have created a unique online coaching opportunity for all Castle Race Series athletes and lead our training days.

Read more

PHOTOGRAPHY

AWOL Adventure

Photographers are positioned around the course, finish line and event village to capture you in action.

If you buy these ahead of your race, you will receive a fantastic 50% off ALL our Official Digital Photos - just £15. Terms apply.

Read more

INSURANCE

Yellow Jersey

Make sure you’re covered for any unforeseen circumstances. Yellow Jersey have a number of different options for event day cover, bike damage or theft and reimbursement due to injury. All Castle Race participants are entitled to a 20% discount on Yellow Jersey policies.

Read more

WPA Health Insurance

WPA are a specialist UK not-for-profit health insurer offering award-winning health insurance solutions to individuals, families and companies of all sizes

Read more

MEDALS

iTAB

All participants recieve an iconic Castle Race Series medal. If you’d like to remember your race times you can order a medal insert by going to your Active account, click ‘Purchase Merchandise’ and add a Medal Insert to your booking.

Read more

RECOVERY

Active Edge

Get stocked up on BeetActive and CherryActive concentrates, the perfect natural pre and post nutrition pairing enjoyed by leading endurance athletes, football, rugby and Olympic teams.

Read more

Since 2021, Tri Training Harder and Castle Race Series began working together to ensure that the industry- leading event company could offer coaching support to their athletes to match their iconic and challenging race venues. Check out how Tri Training Harder can help through their different coaching packages.

CASTLE EVENTS TRAINING PLANS

CASTLE BEGINNER TRAINING EVENINGS

VIRTUAL TRAINING SQUAD

FIND YOUR OWN COACH

RACE D INFORM

2 DAY MATION

All the information you need when arri signing in the start

ARRIVE

As you approach the venue, please follow Castle Race Series signs (not your sat nav) to get to the correct entrance gate and parking. Please allow time for arrival on busy roads, parking and walking to registration.

PARKING

Park and take all you need for your race to the Holding Area. This is where your race documentation will be checked. Aim to arrive at this area approximately 1 hour 15 minutes (Triathlon and Multisport) or 45 minutes (Run and Swim Series) before your start time.

REGISTRATION & RACE PACK

Make your way to the Registration tent where you will receive your race pack

TRANSITION & BAG DROP

Once you have registered you will make your way to set up in transition or check your things into bag drop, then through the event village where you will be able to meet friends and family before going to the start line.

START LINE

Make your way towards your designated start line, listen in to a short briefing which will detail any last minute changes, deep breaths and go!

SWIMMING TIPS

SWIM SESSIONS

To help build your confidence, swim in safe and controlled environments that are supervised, maybe your local lake or swimming pond. Training with a friend can also help to keep motivated through your swim sessions.

GEAR

Ensure you are prepared with the right kit for your race, practice with these items and ensure you are comfortable with everything It may seem obvious but don’t wait to try out any new kit at the race itself!

TRAINING AIDS

Using training aids is a great way to train, and target specific areas of your swim. If you need to work on your arm technique, try using a pull buoy to isolate your legs so you can really concentrate on getting your stroke right.

BREATHING

Before you go swimming, do some deep breathing –especially if you’ve had a particularly stressful day. You work better in the water when you’re more relaxed.

ON THE DAY GO WITH THE FLOW

If you’re not a confident swimmer or this is your first triathlon it’s a good idea to start at the back of the pack for the swim start. This will allow you to ease into your rhythm and avoid the mayhem of the swim start.

You’ve done the training, you know you can swim the distance. If something unexpected goes wrong on the day, try swimming a bit of breaststroke to help you catch your breath a bit, swim three strokes then take a breath, swim one stroke and take a breath, and repeat

TRIATHLON & MULTISPORT

We work with the national governing bodies BTF, TI and FFTRI, and host many qualifying races and championship events. We also actively encourage more people into the sport.

Swim

Wetsuits will usually be advisable but, depending on the water temperature, can be mandatory or forbidden. At Lough Cutra Castle wetsuits are compulsory for all triathlon and multisport events A wetsuit will not only keep you warm, but may help you swim faster as it provides you with extra buoyancy. Swimmers will be electronically counted into and out of the water for additional safety.

Cycle

Your race number should be worn on your back for the cycle leg of your race Race labels must be attached to the front of the bike and front and back of the helmet. We recommend either a road bike or a hybrid as adult courses go out onto the open road. All cyclists must wear a cycle helmet (British/Irish Safety Standard) and will not be able to leave transition without one properly fastened.

Run

Your race number must be worn on your front for the run leg of your race. Adult run courses start within the castle estate, with some longer runs exploring the local area Adults may want to wear trail shoes (especially if the weather is bad) as much of the routes are off-road.

Junior Races

One adult per child may go through registration and children in the 10 years and under category may be accompanied by one adult in transition

The swim includes boat safety and swimmers with floats, so if a child wishes to rest with them for a minute, they can do so The bike and run courses are within the castle grounds and are heavily marshalled. Bike recommendations depend on the venue and and can be viewed on our venue pages. There are plenty of places for supporters to cheer around the course.

DISCIPLINES

– TRIATHLON

Swim/Bike/Run

– DUATHLON

Run/Bike/Run

– AQUABIKE

Swim/Bike

– AQUATHLON

Swim/Run

CHECKLIST

– Race licence

– Race belt

– Bike

– Cycle helmet

– Cycle repair kit

– Cycle shoes

– Run shoes

– Bottled drink

– Bike pump

– Trisuit/clothing

– Towel

– Socks

– Sunglasses

– Gloves

– Visor/hat

– Wet gear bag

RACE PACK

(not all items are applicable to all races)

– 1 race bib

– 3 numbered labels for your equipment

– Swim hat

– Chip-timing device

– Event wristbands

A race belt is recommended to move your race bib from the back on the cycle to the front on the run.

Purchase Here

Governing Body

The country you are racing in will define which governing body are overseeing the race.

Please make sure you are familiar with all relevant rules and regulations before race day by visiting their websites:

British Triathlon

Triathlon Ireland

Federation Francaise de Triathlon

For 2024, Castle Race Series has been awarded the following races:

Château de Chantilly

- 2024 Standard Duathlon Department Championship

Lough Cutra Castle

– 2024 Mixed Team Relay Club Championships

– 2024 TI Sprint Aquathlon National Championships

– Junior Aquathlon National Championships

Cholmondeley Castle

– 2024 British Mixed Team Relay Championships

– 2025 World Qualifier for the Standard Distance Duathlon

– BTF Best of Britain

Hever Castle

– 2025 European Sprint Duathlon Qualifier

Race Licence

To compete in a triathlon or multisport race you must have a valid race licence. Please visit the specific event page on our website and if necessary follow the link to buy one:

Lough Cutra Castle

Château de Chantilly

Cholmondely Castle

Belvoir Castle

Hever Castle

Water Quality

Regular water quality tests takes place from 6 weeks out to and including the days leading up to event day. These are posted on our website.

Water Temperature

Regular water temperature tests are taken in the upcoming months, weeks and during the event. These are shared on venue specific competitor information pages as they go live closer to the event day.

Race Etiquette

It is the responsibility of all competitors to keep our sport tidy, any littering on the course will result in a disqualification.

Please stop if you see an injured fellow competitor and find help from the nearest marshal. Please report their number, location and nature of the injury.

TRANSITION

Attach your numbered labels from your Race Pack to your kit before entering the transition area. The transition team will check your equipment before you can rack up. Space is limited in transition, boxes are not allowed but a small soft-sided bag is, as long as it does non impede the progress of competitors There is a bag drop area available for those that need it.

PRACTICE & PLAN

Practice jumping on and off your bike, mounting and dismounting in your shoes, what order you will put on your kit - all to help you save seconds or even minutes!

WALK THROUGH

Familiarise yourself with the path you will take from swim to bike and out, and then from bike to run to help gain those precious seconds.

TAKE MINIMAL KIT VISUALISE YOUR SPOT

Take only the essentials with you to transition, leave everything you won’t need with family or friends (or at home!). Less fuss, minimal stress = quicker transition.

Transition can often be busy and confusing place on race morning. Look out for something visual near to your kit so it is easier to spot during your race

SET UP YOUR BIKE

Make sure your bike is set up in the right gear to start your cycle leg.

TALC

A triathlete and multisporters best friend Use it sparingly on your bike and run shoes to help slip your feet in easier and to reduce the chance of mid-race rubbing.

RELAY TEAMS

You can complete our triathlon distances with team mates at all our venues. Teams can be made up of mixed genders and ages. A team member can complete up to two legs of the triathlon. It is a great way to enjoy both competition and camaraderie!

REGISTRATION & RACE PACK

Your team must arrive together and will receive a Race Pack, please check that your numbers match

There will be a timing chip to wear on your left ankle, a wristband for all, a swim hat for the swimmer, a bib number for the runner and three labels for the cyclist.

CHANGE OVER

All team members must attend a briefing by the water’s edge. Nonswimmers can then return to their rack space, where the change over between team members occurs. Parents of 10 years and under, can help take off their wetsuit and lift the bike on and off the rack, but the rest is up to them.

TRANSITION

When entering transition, tell the marshal you are part of a relay team, you will then be shown to your rack space Apply your Race Pack items and listen out for your wave call time. Children in the 10 years and under may be accompanied by one parent in transition.

FINISH

Reunite with your team members at the finish line, take some refreshments and return your timing chips. You can then collect your items from the transition area and enjoy celebrations in our festival village

MIXED TEAM RELAY FORMAT

Our Mixed Team Relay events take place at Cholmondeley Castle and Lough Cutra Castle These are fast, furious and fun events to take part in Teams of four each complete a short-course triathlon (250m swim, 4.2km bike, 1.5km run) before tagging their teammate to take over.

SWIM

All our events provide a stunning open-water swim opportunity in unique castle lakes.

For Swim Series races you can choose whether or not you wear a wetsuit.

A wetsuit will not only keep you warm, but it may help you swim faster as it provides you with extra buoyancy.

Swimmers will be electronically counted into and out of the water for additional safety.

Bag Drop

If there are items you would like to leave whilst you race, please check them into the bag drop in the event village.

Swim Finish

When swimmers have finished their event, they will be greeted with our team at the new and improved swim finish. Here swimmers will receive their medal, have the selection of tasty food and drink and be greeted (and congratulated) by their supporters.

Water Quality and Temperature

Regular water quality tests take place from 6 weeks out to and including the days leading up to event day. These are posted on our website. Updated on water temperature is shared on our Event Info page.

Prize Giving

Swim Series athletes are split into wetsuit/non wetsuit categories for prize giving.

Prizes are awarded to top three open and female participants.

Please make sure you make your wetsuit/nonwetsuit choice known when you register online and when you register on race day. We can then make absolutely sure you’re in the correct category for your chance to be on the podium.

CHECKLIST

– Googles

– Towel

– Warm clothes for after the race

– Wet gear bag

RACE PACK

– Chip-timing device

– Swim hat

– 1 wristband

RUN

Our stunning off-road trail runs make for a memorable race experience whether you’re competing in a 10K, Half Marathon or Marathon.

The adult courses are fully marshalled and explore the castle grounds. Some longer routes explore the surrounding area on open roads.

Race Numbers

Please wear your race bib (given to you at registration) on your front for your run race

Bag Drop

There is a specific run-only bag drop in the event village. Please check small bags in here.

Footwear

Most of the routes are a mixture of road and trail, so we recommend trail running shoes.

Results and Prize Giving

A full set of results including 5 year breakdown and gender split will be posted online within moments of your finish. Prizes are given to the top 3 open and female participants.

CHECKLIST

– Race belt

– Bottled drink

– Socks

– Sunglasses

– Visor/hat

– Suncream

RACE PACK

– Chip-timing device

– 1 race bib

– Event wristband

TIMING & RESULTS

You will receive a chip-timing device (with the same number as your race bib) to be worn for the duration of the race. This should be placed on your left ankle and must be returned as you exit the finish line.

You will receive a chip-timing device in our race pack when you are in the Registration tent.

Your chip-timing device must be put on your left ankle before your start. Please make sure your ankle chip timing device is secure as we cannot be held responsible for any lost devices and will need to charge to replace these (The Run Series timing chip is embedded in the foam attached to the race bib)

Please make sure your chip-timing device is handed into a member of our crew at the exit of the finish line area. If for any reason it is lost, or comes off your ankle during your race, please let the timing company know.

There are a number of ways in which you can receive your results. You will receive a text shortly after your race, you can find them on our website or by going to the results tent in the event village.

We really hope this doesn’t happen to you as it can be frustrating not to receive a full set of results If you loose your chip during the race , please visit the Results tent for assistance. If you fail to hand in your chip after the race, the timing company may charge you.

POST R CELEBR

3 RACE RATION

AFTER YOUR RACE

Let the celebrations begin!

After you’ve been cheered over the finish line, our team will present you with your medal and you can enjoy the event village.

TIMING & RESULTS

Don’t forget to hand in your chiptiming device. You will receive a text message with your result or you can visit the timing tent in the event village. Results will also be shared on our website on the evening of the event.

OFFICIAL RACE PHOTOGRAPHY

Our official photographers will have captured some great shots of you in action. We will share a link with you so that you can view and purchase these as a lasting memory of your race.

PRIZE GIVING

Listen out for announcement

There will be several Prize Giving Ceremonies for each race distance on the podium.

Triathlon prize givings are organised by age group.

Multisport, Junior, Swim and Run prize givings are for the top 3 open and female participants.

PODIUM

We position a podium next to the Main Stage so that all athletes can have their moment on the top step Come along and get your friends to capture your celebration!

MERCHANDISE

Celebrate your victory with one of our venue specific t-shirts showing everyone that you conquered the castle You can shop from our official merchandise partner, Scimitar before the event online or from their store in the event village on race day.

MEDAL PERSONALISATION

If you’d like to add your name and time to your medal, we have partnered with iTAB.

RECOVERY

Enjoy a massage in the event village at selected venues, and celebrate with a drink from the event bar

EVENT VILLAGE

Our events are more than just the race! Why not stop by the trade village, soak in the sun with a cool drink, enjoy the live music and taste some of the delicious food on offer.

COMMANDO OBSTACLE COURSE

HEVER CASTLE

12-13 OCTOBER 2024

Our obstacle course event feature some of the toughest obstacles straight out of the Commando test book and recreate the mud, sweat and pain of modern day Royal Marines training.

The course is suitable for those age 7 years old and above , so not only makes a great family day out but is fast becoming the go to for sports clubs and corporate team buiding days.

Choose between our mini Commando (age 3-6), 3K (7 years plus), 6K (8 years plus) or 12K (16 years plus) for a day that tests your courage, determination and unity.

Click here to find out more