EVENT GUIDE
Belvoir Castle, Grantham, Leicestershire, NG32 1PE
Welcome to the Belvoir Castle Triathlon, thank you for joining us. After the success of recent events, we are privileged to be invited back to this unique, picturesque estate.
Please be mindful the venue is a working estate and be courteous to everyone, respect the estate, residents, private areas and enjoy this glorious setting. Thank you to the owners and all staff at the estate for allowing us to use their stunning home.
Thank you for your support, in particular those who entered the event early –it really is massively appreciated.
Thank you to all the brilliant people (our helpers) who give up their valuable time to make it possible for us all enjoy the event.
Enjoy the event
Rebecca & Dean Hughes
Please read all this information carefully – thank you ***Individual start times/race numbers will be published the midweek pre event***
Venue & Directions – Belvoir Castle, Grantham, Leicestershire, NG32 1PE
- Belvoir Castle is situated in the heart of the Vale of Belvoir, between Nottingham and Grantham.
- Follow this link for directions to Belvoir Castle on Google maps
Please allow plenty of time to park, register if you haven’t already on the Saturday, rack your cycle and get to the swim start - we recommend arriving at least 90min before your start time
Car Parking
- Car parking will be signposted to the event field from Woolsthorpe road - left turn if coming from Woolsthorpe and right turn if coming from Belvoir: https://w3w.co/belly.stub.jams
- PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN THE MAIN BELVOIR CASTLE VISITORS CAR PARK.
- Car parking – each car is charged at £5 - all profits go to the charity Headway.
- Please ensure you have the correct cash/card on entry to avoid unnecessary queuing – thank you
Registration
- Please note: ALL under 16’s will need to complete a parental consent form BEFORE the event Complete here
- Please complete this before Thursday 31 August - thank you
- Before registering, please find your race number on the start entry list (emailed to you) and on entering the registration area.
- If you are a BTF member, please show your BTF License with photo or you will be asked to pay the day license fee (£1 - under 15-19 years). If you are not a BTF member, then you pick up a day license from registration.
- All competitors will receive, 1 x swim hat, 1 x race number (to be pinned at least all 4 corners back and front of your race top, or back-to-back on a race belt). Please bring your own safety pins.
- All competitors will also receive a wrist band, and this will be your pass and checked on entry to the transition area and the swim holding area. No wrist band, no entry.
- Timing chips - please don’t forget to secure on your left ankle before going down to the lake. If you lose your chip, you will be charged - £60!
- Please ensure your race number is visible at all times & do not fold your numbers! You may receive a 2-minute penalty if you do!
- There will be safety briefings before you enter the water on Raceday in the swim holding area.
Event Timings
- The first wave of competitors will be off at 2pm – Starting with the Youth A & B competitors. Swimmers will start in waves depending on your estimated swim time submitted on entry and the number of competitors competing in each distance.
- Please note: It is your responsibility to be in swim holding area 15mins before your allocated start time. You will receive a compulsory safety briefing before entering the lake. If you miss your start time, you will be asked to wait for the next wave.
Belvoir Castle Aquathlon 2023
Each age group will receive a specific briefing 10min before their start time in the swim holding area.
Please adhere to the timings above - thank you PRESENTATION - aiming to start 5:00pm after the Team Relay – sooner if we can.
- Only competitors will be permitted in the swim holding area
- Please respect the helpers/marshals and one-way systems and barriers in place to ensure everyone’s safety
***As always, we will aim to keep to schedule, however things happen, and our focus is ensuring everyone is safe in each race. Please keep your ears open to the commentator who will keep you in the loop with timings and any delays. Please be patient, be courteous AND KIND - We are only human after all. ***
Transition Area – Open from 1.15pm – lake side
- Entry to the transition area will require you to show your wristband, race number.
- The transition area will only be open to competitors ONLY and will remain open throughout the duration of the event so if you are preparing to race or have finished racing, please be aware of competitors who are still racing, they will have right of way!
- Also make sure you set out your equipment in transition, so that when you come into transition from the swim, your run gear is ready to go
- PLEASE BE PATIENT and respect organisers and helpers – thank you. Rudeness will not be tolerated.
- Bag drop area – there will be a small bag drop area at the back of transition for those who need to leave belongings - please ensure all your belongings are enclosed in a bag with your number on.
- We advise you to leave valuables with friends and family.
Belvoir Castle Aquathlon 2023
The Lake Swim
- Wetsuits are optional above 14 degrees – temperature on Sunday 24/8 was 22 degrees!
- Follow these links to view the Swim course maps; links below
- Youth A & B
- Tri Star 3
- Tri Star 2
- Tri Star 1
- Tri Start
- Competitors need to be in the swim holding area 15mins before your start time, changed, ready to race with your timing chip on your left ankle, PLEASE ENSURE YOUR TIMING CHIP IS VISIBLE, NOT UNDER YOUR WETSUIT. Thank you.
- The swim start is approx. 400m from the event village so please allow plenty of time to walk down to the lake. We recommend you wear something on your feet, flip flops, Crocs etc and leave by the swim start. We will bag them all and send to registration for you at the end of the race.
- Your start time/wave number is based on your estimated swim time submitted on entry. We recommend you start at the back of your wave if you are inexperienced in open water.
- Please be mindful there will be swimmers setting off in waves and the course is multi lap, so please try to avoid any collisions and look where you are swimming every few strokes! Also, if you don’t look where you are swimming, you may complete an extra few meters!
- On completion of your swim distance, exit the lake using the swim exit ramp and run (grass) to the transition area – approx. 50m from the swim exit
- Swim hats are supplied and are compulsory for safety reasons.
It is recommend to start at the back of your wave if you are relatively inexperienced in OPEN WATER
***There will be no changing facilities, only Porta loos***
The Run – please ensure you study the route for your distance
- Your race number must be clearly visible on the FRONT of your outer clothing.
- Exit transition through the RUN OUT gate and join the run course, following the signs, coned areas.
- The transition area is lake side - not the same as the adult’s race. Head out on the run course through the RUN OUT gate and join the run course, following the signs, areas.
- The run is traffic free on grass surface with fantastic views of the castle and iconic estate grounds.
- Parents/Carers will have full sight on their children throughout the event – Please do not run around the course with your child. The event director will be on hand in the event of support needed – thank you
- Parents/Carers - Please influence your children and other children who may be watching in a positive mannerthis is a fantastic sport, and we don’t want to put any children off competing in this event and other future events – thank you
The Run route will be fully signed and marshalled in key points HOWEVER, it is your responsibility to be familiar with the Run course, do not just follow the person in front of you.
Follow the links to view the run courses: below
Youth A & B – 2 complete laps of field then into finish
Tri Star 3 - 2 complete laps of field then into finish
Tri Star 2 - 1 complete lap of field then into the finish - including small section of closed road
Tri Star 1 - 1 complete lap of field then into the finish
Tri Start - Straight run up from the lake to the finish
Please respect the fact that all our brilliant volunteers/Marshall’s have given up their day so that you can race, and the event would not be possible without them, so please abide by their decision - they are there for everyone’s safety. Be Patient, Be Kind and think of others – Thank you
Club Team Relay Event – FOC!
***TEAMS NEED TO BE EMAILED TO INFO@ENDORPHINSPORT.COM BY THURSDAY 31 AUGUST***
- This is an additional opportunity and part of your individual entry fee – yes its FREE! ☺
- Teams of 3 from your club or just grab some other athletes (who raced in the morning) and make a team of 3!
- Each team member will swim 100m and then run 1km before handing over to team member 2 and so on….
- On completing the 1km run, do not head for the finish line , head to the start pontoon, handing your timing chip to team member 2.
- Team member 3 (the last runner) will head back to the transition collect the other 2 team members , so all 3 can run up the field and cross the line together.
- Prize & podium pic for the fastest Club Team.
- There will be a changeover zone for relay teams near the swim start.
Our Values
- BE PEOPLE CENTRED
- Nurture environments to promote great experiences in swim, bike, run.
- BE INCLUSIVE
- Promote and help make a more equal, diverse, and inclusive triathlon community and culture.
- DO WHAT’S RIGHT
- Behave with honesty, kindness, respect, and integrity.
- BE AMBITIOUS
- Be passionate about doing your best.
British Triathlon Code of Ethics
The Code of Ethics sets out the expected behaviour and conduct for everyone involved in swim, bike, run and has been revised to align with British Triathlon’s values – be people-centered, be ambitious, be inclusive and do what’s right. Find out more
Belvoir Castle Aquathlon 2023
Parental Conduct
Parents, guardians or accompanying adults must conduct themselves in a proper manner; failure to do so may result in disqualification of the competitor. As per rule 23.6 of the British Triathlon Rules misconduct by parents, guardians or accompanying adults may include, but is not limited to:
- Threatening or abusive language
- Failure to obey marshals/Official’s instruction
- Tampering with equipment of others
- Unsporting impedance
All individuals have a responsibility to act with integrity, in accordance with the standards set by British Triathlon. Any discriminatory, offensive and violent behaviour is unacceptable, and complaints will be acted upon under the procedures of our Safeguarding and Protecting Children Policy.
IMPORTANT - Parental Consent
- Please follow this link to complete this form by Friday 1ST September 11.59pm – thank you CONSENT FORM
Safeguarding and Welfare
Staying safe in Triathlon
Your wellbeing and enjoyment of triathlon is paramount, and you should always feel safe when training and competing. If you’re worried, upset or something concerns you like the behaviour of someone, it’s important to talk to someone that you trust.
Follow these four simple steps:
- Recognise – if you have a concern, notice a problem or if you’re worried or upset
- Respond – Know what you need to do, identify someone you trust
- Record – as many details as possible - who, what, when, where – capture details in writing
- Refer – the information to appropriate people. Do not ignore it – always tell someone!
Who to talk to
Event Safeguarding Officer – at registration Or British Triathlon Safeguarding Team Marc Scott – 07384214726 or Linda Haywood - 07793 647578
You can also ring the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or by emailing help@nspcc.org.uk. Following reporting the matter to the emergency services or NSPCC you must inform British Triathlon.
Staying safe online
- The internet is fantastic! You chat to your friends, meet new people, keep up to date with everything that is going on and share photos and videos, even play games and talk to people all over the world without even needing to leave your room.
- BTF have created a simple guide to staying safe on the internet. Why not download here – it’s full of handy tips.
Belvoir Castle Aquathlon 2023
Photography Policy
- Free downloads for entrants finish photos with the iconic castle in the back drop – supplied by Mick Hall Photography
- As per the event terms and conditions Endorphin Sport and British Triathlon has the right to use images, photographs and footage taken by their contracted photographers and employees at the Event. These images will be used for the purposes of promoting, reporting and broadcasting the Event, and any other promotion related to the business activities of the Organiser.
Event Photography Opt Out
If a parent wishes to NOT have their child photographed at the event, they will need to fill out and sign the photography non-permission/opt out form. They will then be given a coloured wristband so they can be identified by event photographers.
Medical Support Located close to the finish and transition area
- Medical cover will be provided by the fantastic team at Ultra Medix
Litter Anyone found littering will be disqualified immediately and not invited back to any future event
- The dropping of gel wrappers and any other litter will not be tolerated at endorphinsport events.
- Please place in bins provided and take your litter with you. There will litter drop zones at every feed station
- Prepare properly and before event day, think where you can stash your wrappers whilst competing and bins on course.
- Ensure you have hydrated/fuelled properly for the distance you are competing, on the morning and in the days leading up to the event
Club Gazebos
- Please be mindful this is not a public park, respect the event venue and the event organisers, it is courtesy to ask the event organiser before you rock up with a club gazebo or two!
- We are more than happy for you to promote your club and have a designated area for you club, friends, and family to enjoy the event, but please ask first – thank you
- You need to ensure you speak with the event organiser before event day. You will be allocated a pitch and instructions on how you need to erect it safely - guy ropes and weights on each leg. Failure to comply will result in the gazebo being taken down.
- This is for the health & safety of everyone at the event including YOU.
Event Rules
- Littering or discourteous riding will not be tolerated in any shape of form, and any competitor found littering or riding discourteously to other competitors or road users will be instantly disqualified – No exceptions.
- We will aim to provide as many bins as possible on the course, so please hold your gel wrapper etc and discard appropriately.
Belvoir Castle Aquathlon 2023
- All competitors will require third party insurance either via a BTF Day License or as part of the BTF Membership. Photographic ID is needed at registration - your BTF membership card. If you don’t have your 2023 licence or are not a member, then you’ll need to buy a day license from us for £6 cash. Most non BTF members will have purchased a day license of signing up to the event.
- If you need any more information on these please visit:
British Triathlon Code of Conduct for Competitors
Competition Rules
Safeguarding & Welfare
Results
- Timing chips will be used on this event making it possible for you to view your time soon after crossing the finish line.
- Please hand your timing chip back soon after crossing the finish line If you lose your chip, you will be charged£60!
- Results will be provided from Titanium Race Timing
- A full set of FINAL results will be available on www.endorphinsport.com the evening following the event.
- Any disputes or amendments must be made immediately via the race directors/referee ON THE DAY. Before the presentation.
Presentation/Prizes – 1, 2, 3 in each age group!
- 1-3 in each age group Female & Open will be awarded when we have the 1-3 results….
- Fastest Team (team of 3) will be awarded with the relevant distance….
- Please stay for the Presentation and please check your time and age group position before the Presentation time. Trophies will not be posted.
- Exact timings of the presentation will be released over the PA so, please keep your ears open! Delays do happen - that’s life – enjoy the stunning surroundings!
- Any disputes or amendments must be made immediately via the Race Directors/Technical Official ON THE DAY.
****You may have won a prize and we are unable to send or arrange for these to be picked up after the event. IF YOU NEED TO LEAVE BEFORE THE PRESENTATION, PERHAPS ASK SOMEONE ELSE YOU KNOW TO COLLECT YOUR PRIZE ****
Balance bike race/fun run for toddlers
- If time permits, whilst waiting for the results and just a bit of fun to end the day of racing! ☺ a very short course on the finish straight – helpers/chaperones allowed but no excessive pushing – parents have been warned! This is all about enjoyment and seeing the next generation come through! ☺
- Please let us know at Registration if you’d like to enter your little one and will then announce on the commentary if we have enough time and mini athletes for a little race!
Helpers needed!
Please get in touch if you want to help for a free entry for you or family/friend. Helpers can volunteer to:
- Set up the day before
- During the event
- After the event for a free entry for any endorphinsport event.
Volunteer form is on our website to register your interest and let us know how you’d like to help, timings and your preferred role etc.
Our brilliant volunteers and their help, whether competing or not, is always VERY much appreciated and these events do not happen without you - Thank you – you are amazing
Spectators
- We have always been conscious of trying to make our events as spectator friendly as possible. Please encourage your friends and family to attend and enjoy your day together. This venue is brilliant for spectators allowing you to be up close to watch the swim, parts of the bike and most of the run – see links below.
- We feel privileged and very excited to put this Triathlon at this iconic estate back on the calendar. Please respect the estate, private areas, event organising team/volunteers and above all respect the competitors, keeping within spectator areas and using the designated crossing points - enjoy this glorious setting.
- Car parking - £5 per car All proceeds go to Headway Charity. Please ensure you have the correct cash/card on arrival.
- Our partners listed below will be provide delicious coffee, iced coffee, great food, and ice cream down at the Event Hub – close to the transition area. We also have a few deck chairs dotted around for to relax and enjoy the view!
- Cheer your family & friends on but please do not restrict competitor view and the course – thank yo
- Please respect the helpers/marshals and one-way systems and barriers in place to ensure everyone’s safety
Partners/Trade Stands
The Event Hub will be located very close to the transition area
Jaffa Sports providing quality branded sportswear and equipment
Peak Tri Store providing quality branded sportswear and equipment
For Every Adventure providing sustainable women’s multi-sport apparel
Café Allez The best tasting coffee/teas around!
The Gastropod will be providing their excellent renowned food!
Lulabelles Ice Cream and Horsebox Ice cream supplying luxury delicious ice cream over the weekend!
Purely Wood Fired Pizza - will be on site Friday/Saturday & Sunday. The first ever Wood Fired Pizza van in the UK!
Snow Paw Store providing all your Canicross needs & doggy retail therapy
Three Peaks Naturals a passion for sustainability and providing healthy 100% natural treats for dogs
Black Cat Veterinary Physiotherapist providing FREE pre/post event checks on your bestest buds for the canicross races
No Two Cycles Any last-minute bike tweaks and all day on race day for event support!
Central Therapy Pre/Post-event sports therapy will be on hand all day on race day for sports massage, taping, injury assessment and advice. A complex 8.0 electrical stimulation device will be available for an alternative elite recovery method.
Belvoir Castle Aquathlon 2023
OTE are the events nutrition suppliers
Close by the event is also the estates engine yard that offers eateries & plenty of shops to visit.
Camping – We still a few pitches left
- Camping will be available on Friday (from 3pm) & Saturday evening. You can book your pitches direct from our website: Book Camping
- Hot Showers (campers only) and toilets are available
- Purely Wood Fired Pizza will be there Friday & Saturday before the event from ready to take your orders
- A separate email will be sent separately to all campers with instructions.
Further Information
- Please check the website and Facebook page for all event information.
- Please note that will not be checking emails in the days prior to the event so visit www.endorphinsport.com and you can you find the information you need by reading the event details thoroughly!?
- Emails will be replied to on a priority basis in the weeks building build up to the event. If you cannot attend the event please read our Withdrawal Policy carefully.
Please understand that we will be busy in the weeks before the event - we like the great outdoors and are not glued to our phones/lap tops all the time!
Thank you for your support
We would like to thank you all for your support, especially over the challenging last couple of years and all the fantastic marshals/volunteers, whom without these events would never happen, to all the family & staff at Belvoir Castle Estate and all those behind the scenes that made it possible to run this event. Please respect the fact that all Volunteers/Marshall’s have given up their day/weekend so that you can enjoy the event and would not be possible without them, so please abide by their decision - they are there for everyone’s safety and enjoyment.
Please, Be Patient, Be Kind and Think of Others – Thank you COMPETITORS – you are never too tired to say THANK YOU to our amazing helpers – lets here you on course please –THANK YOU
Thank you everyone for your work and support ensuring we all enjoy the event! Hopefully see you again at our remaining 2023 events:
Take Care & Stay Active – all the family!
Rebecca & Dean Hughes Event DirectorsBelvoir Castle Aquathlon 2023
Site Plan
Swim Maps
Run Maps
