The Gauntlet at Hever
New half iron distance in 2013
We will be offering a half iron distance, The Gauntlet, at the Hever Castle Triathlon in 2013. Taking place on Sunday 29th September 2013, it will consist of a 1.9km swim, 90km cycle and a 21km run. Perfect for those who wish to upgrade from the Olympic distance or simply take on an admirable new challenge. The stunning venue and scenic grounds set the scene for a motivating event nurturing your most extreme triathlon ambitions.
The race, suitably named in keeping with our castle theme, The Gauntlet, not only symbolises a protective glove used as a form of armour during historical battles, but celebrates the expressions ‘running the gauntlet’ (originally running the gantlope), which means running between two confining rows of adversaries and ‘throwing down the gauntlet’. Our Gauntlet half iron distance race will provide some opposition and will definitely be a challenge, but we hope the race will mostly be with yourself as we help you win your personal battle of accomplishment. £5,000 prize money to be awarded to the top winners.
The Gauntlet course
The 1.9km swim will involve a single loop taking in the main Hever Castle lake and a tributary of the river Eden (this is being dredged in Autumn 2012). The 90km cycle will involve a 2 loop course which is an extension of the Olympic distance, previously offered at the Hever Castle Triathlon, taking in the high weald of Kent and the Ashdown forest. The 21km run course is 2 loops of 10.5km, will take in the existing 5km Hever Castle Triathlon course but with a 5km extension via tracks and bridle paths though the historic local village of Chiddingstone, and the grounds of Chiddingstone Castle itself. The course includes a strong off road element which allows a highly inspirational setting often praised and welcomed by the elite triathletes taking part in the Olympic distance.
Download the run and swim route here
Hever Castle Gauntlet Half Iron Distance Run and Swim Map (1.1 MB)
| Download the cycle route here
Hever Castle Gauntlet Half Iron Distance Cycle Map (6.1 MB)
(Please note: This is a provisional route subject to police/ highways approval (cycle) and local land clearance for the run)
CUT OFF TIMES
MAKE SURE YOU ARE AWARE OF THE RULES, IN PARTICULAR THE CUT OFF TIMES
The Gauntlet (Le Gauntelet at Chantilly) Cut off Times
Swim: 1 hour 15 minutes
Bike discipline (swim + bike): Total of 7 hours
Overall Cut Off : 9 hours.
Note on Gauntlet cut off times:-
A competitor completing the swim in 1 hour 15 minutes would then have 5 hours 45 minutes to complete the first transition, bike section and second transition. If a participant can't complete the swim and bike, including transitions, in 7 hours, it is highly unlikely that the run (a half marathon) will be completed in less than 2 hours. Please note however, the cut off times are cumulative, so a quicker swim and/or bike discipline will give the competitor more time to complete the remaining discipline(s)
- CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILED INFO ON THE RULES.
The Race
The Gauntlet (Hever Castle - 29th September 2013 and Château de Chantilly - 25th August 2013) - 1.9km/90km/21km - £150.00 for individual, £200.00 for relay entries.
Useful contacts
Cycling Instructor and Coach – Paul Butler (www.paulbutlerfitness.com) has been a Personal Trainer for nearly 6 years and a Cycle Coach (British Cycling Qualified and a 2nd Cat Road Racer himself) for about 4 years.
Paul helps people based in the Sevenoaks/Tonbridge/Hildenborough area.
He can help cyclists to improve their times by:
- One to one coaching.
- Strength training
- Core strength and flexibility training.
- Group turbo training sessions
For more information please contact - paul@paulbutlerfitness.com / 07899 693446
Prize money
The Gauntlet expects to draw in elites and keen triathletes with a significant prize fund up for grabs. More details to follow shortly.
The right challenge for you
Our research told us that there were many of you interested in taking part in such a significant race but there is a limited offering in the South East. We appreciate that time is a premium for many of you so with that in mind the half iron distance provides a significant goal but not to the detriment of your family and social life as a full iron distance would pose. By growing our selection of race distances we hope to offer series fans a complete portfolio of distances, suiting all triathletes, from cradle to grave. If all well received and timings allow we will look to offer a further offering of half iron distances at the other castles and even look to host a full iron distance in the close future.
We look forward to welcoming the brave and bold among you!
