2025 Competitor Guide

CASTLE RACE SERIES

COMPETITOR GUIDE 2025 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.

Brian Adcock Race Director

“Excellent event from start to finish, can't think of anything that let it down. Great communication before hand with information pack/pre race briefings being available to watch. Whole event ran so smoothly, run and bike courses were fantastic and well sign posted. Will definitely be back again next year, amazing experience.”

- Cam D.

“This was my first triathlon and it was absolutely fantastic. It surpassed all expectations on how smooth and professional every element was. I am very keen to take part in another Castle Series event soon.”

- Will G.

2025 RACE CALENDAR 24 -25 MAY LOUGH CUTRA CASTLE TRIATHLON AND MULTISPORT FESTIVAL

7 - 8 JUNE CHATEAU DU CHANTILLY TRIATHLON AND MULTISPORT FESTIVAL

21 - 22 JUNE CHOLMONDELEY CASTLE TRIATHLON AND MULTISPORT FESTIVAL

19 - 20 JULY BELVOIR CASTLE TRIATHLON AND MULTISPORT FESTIVAL

27 - 28 SEPTEMBER HEVER CASTLE TRIATHLON AND MULTISPORT FESTIVAL

11 - 12 OCTOBER HEVER CASTLE COMMANDO OBSTACLE COURSE MUD RUN

PRE-RA PREPAR

1

ACE RATION

PRE-RACE PREPARATION

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.

AVAILABLE NOW

COURSE MAPS All of the maps for each course are available on our website now!

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.

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

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

12

EQUIPMENT

CHARITY

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.

Alzheimer’s Research UK We have partnered with Alzheimer’s Research UK to raise vital funds for dementia research. This partnership lets athletes compete in Castle Race Series events at a discounted rate by making a fundraising pledge. You can also support through one-off donations via our booking forms, JustGiving, and at live events—all while enjoying the sport you love in stunning locations.

Read more Adventure Kit 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 SWANS Goggles Swans swimming goggles are for all types of swimmers, whether you're racing, training or swimming in the open water. Swans goggles even have their own prescription range, made especially for short-sighted swimmers.

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.

Read more

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 Competitor Photography 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 25% off and receive your Official Digital Photos for just £26.

Terms apply.

Read more

13

INSURANCE

RECOVERY

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.

Hyperice Hyperice's suite of products help to relieve tension, unlock sore muscles, and prime your body and mind to be at their best, so you can always find the simple fun in doing what you love to do, more. Available to try in the Events Village.

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 SUPPLEMENTS 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

14

Read more

JOIN TEAM ALZHEIMER'S RESEARCH UK Alzheimer’s Research UK is the charity leading the search for a cure, and we won’t stop until everyone is free from the heartbreak of dementia.

Fundraise for us at a Castle Race Series event in 2025 using a charity place or your own place.

With your support, we promise we will not stop until dementia can no longer destroy lives.

Joining our team you will receive a free charity running vest or t-shirt and dedicated support from our fundraising team.

Find out more or set up your fundraising page today!

Registered charity numbers - 1077089 & SC042474

RACE D INFORM

2

DAY MATION

RACE DAY INFORMATION

YOUR ARRIVAL SCHEDULE All the information you need when arriving at the venue, signing in and preparing for the start of your race.

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 in the parking fields 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

TRAINING AIDS

BREATHING

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.

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.

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.

GEAR

ON THE DAY

GO WITH THE FLOW

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!

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.

25

KEY DISCIPLINE INFORMATION

TRIATHLON & MULTISPORT We work with the national governing bodies BTF 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.

DISCIPLINES

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.

CHECKLIST

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.

– TRIATHLON Swim/Bike/Run – DUATHLON Run/Bike/Run – AQUABIKE Swim/Bike – AQUATHLON Swim/Run

– 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.

Governing Body The country you are racing in will define which governing body are overseeing the race. At Lough Cutra, the rules set out by World Triathlon will be use.

Please make sure you are familiar with all relevant rules and regulations before race day by visiting their websites: World Triathlon British Triathlon Federation Francaise de Triathlon Championships and Qualifiers For 2025, Castle Race Series has been awarded the following races: Château de Chantilly - 2025 Long Distance Triathlon Department Championship Belvoir Castle – 2026 World Championship Standard Distance Duathlon Qualifier Hever Castle – 2026 World Championship Standard Distance Triathlon Qualifier

Race Licence To compete in a triathlon or multisport race in the UK for France, 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: 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

TALC

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

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

TRANSITION

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.

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.

CHANGE OVER

FINISH

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.

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 event take place at Cholmondeley Castle . This is a fast, furious and fun events to take part in. Teams of four each complete a shortcourse triathlon (250m swim, 4.2km bike, 1.5km run) before tagging their teammate to take over.

KEY DISCIPLINE INFORMATION

SWIM SERIES 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.

CHECKLIST

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

– Googles – Towel – Warm clothes for after the race – Wet gear bag

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

RACE PACK 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.

– Chip-timing device – Swim hat – 1 wristband

KEY DISCIPLINE INFORMATION

RUN SERIES 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. The timing chip is located inside your bib.

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 – 1 race bib (containing chiptiming device) – Event wristband

RACE DAY INFORMATION

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. For Run Series the timing chip is located within the race bib. For all other competitors the timing device should be placed on your left ankle and must be returned as you exit the finish line.

COLLECTING YOUR CHIP You will be given a race bib containing a timing chip (located in the race bib for Run Series) in the race pack when you are in the Registration Tent.

FASTENING YOUR CHIP 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) DROPPING OFF YOUR CHIP 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.

GETTING YOUR RESULT 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.

LOST CHIP 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

POST-RACE INFORMATION

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

MERCHANDISE

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.

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.

OFFICIAL RACE PHOTOGRAPHY

MEDAL PERSONALISATION

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.

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

PRIZE GIVING

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

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!

RECOVERY

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.

We will have free yoga available as well as activities for children so all the family can enjoy the festival feel of the event.

PARTNER OFFERING Many of our Partners and Supporters will have areas in the events village where you will be able to take try their products for free.

COMMANDO OBSTACLE MUD RUN

Celebrate 2025: The 10th Anniversary of Commando!

HEVER CASTLE 11 - 12 OCTOBER 2025 Join us for our iconic obstacle course event, featuring some of the toughest challenges inspired by the Commando test book.

Experience the mud, sweat, and grit of modernday Royal Marines training as you push your limits like never before.

Our course is designed for participants aged 7 and above, making it the perfect family day out.

It's also a favorite for sports clubs and corporate team-building events!

Choose your challenge: 3K Commando (Ages 7+) 6K Commando (Ages 8+) 12K Commando (Ages 16+) This is your chance to test your courage, determination, and unity in a truly unforgettable way.

Click here to find out more

CONNECT & CONTACT

FOR MORE INFORMATION We look forward to seeing you on race day and wish you luck for your final preparations.

If you need further information please visit our website: castleraceseries.com or email us: support@castleraceseries.com