Help
- Are the races open to mixed - both males and females?
- Are the races professionally timed?
- Are the roads closed for the cycle at any of the events?
- Are there showering and toilet facilities?
- Can I access the Castle and Estate Grounds
- Can I rack my bike in transition before the race
- Do I get a discount if I enter more than 1 race?
- Does my child swim in the lake?
- How do I find out about the water temperature for race day?
- How do I get to Chantilly?
- How safe are the cycle routes for each race?
- I am a commercial sponsor and I would like to know more how do I contact you?
- I am having trouble understanding how the team entry works?
- I am over 60 can I enter the race?
- I am travelling to the event where can I stay?
- I am unable to race. What are my options?
- I have a medical and or heart condition can I still race?
- I have entered my first triathlon now how do I get fit to do it?
- I want to enter a race but I cannot swim, can I still enter?
- Is drafting allowed?
- Is the transition area secured?
- Is there a separate prize category for over 40s?
- Is there parking? Is it free?
- My 11 year old daughter is a better swimmer than me - can she do the swim for me?
- My child is in school year 3 and in school year 4 by the time of the race. What age group do I enter my child?
- My son and or daughter are 16 can they enter the adult races?
- Should I wear a wetsuit?
- What is the depth of the lake?
- What sort of bike do you recommend I use for the race?
- What sort of surface do I run on?
- Where does the cycle take place - is there a route map?
- Will each participant receive a medal?
The answers
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Are the races open to mixed - both males and females?
Unless otherwise stated on the race information (we do have some all female waves), all races are mixed and not gender specific. This includes the team races where the team can be made up for example; two males and one female or two females and one male. There will be, however, separate prizes for individual male and female competitors based on the fastest finish time
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Are the races professionally timed?
Yes - the Markel Castle Triathlon Series uses Champion Chip timing. You will receive the timing chip on the day, which you will need to strap to your ankle. As you pass over designated timing mats each the swim/transition/cycle/transition/run will be timed.
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Are the roads closed for the cycle at any of the events?
No. Roads are not closed for any of the events. However in close communication with both the Police and highway authorities all agencies are aware and supportive of the race.
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Are there showering and toilet facilities?
Yes.
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Can I access the Castle and Estate Grounds
At all venues there are two distinct areas:
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1. A designated area where it is free to enter as a spectator. This area will be well marked and provide a number of places to watch participants around the lake and the run course. For the cycle there will be recommended places to spectate inside and surrounding the estate.
2. To enter the Castle and Gardens at each venue outside of the spectator area will incur a reduced charge. This information is provided under ?The Race' for each Castle. -
Can I rack my bike in transition before the race
Yes, transition opens at 7am on race day.
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Do I get a discount if I enter more than 1 race?
Yes, the price of each race reduces the more you races you enter. For example if you enter the Gothic individual at Cholmondeley and the Anne Boleyn at Hever Castle the price will be £95 instead of £100 saving 5%. If you enter 3 races the price reduces by 10%. There are also opportunities to win cash and prizes if you enter 3 races or more.
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Does my child swim in the lake?
The lake is used for both adult and children's races. Each children's race differs in distance with children aged 8 - 10years swimming 100m, 10 - 12 years 200m and 13 - 15 years swimming 300m.
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In all instances the lake is fully patrolled with lifeguards and marshals both in and on the water. For children's races the wave size will be reduced to ensure that all participants are safe and assisted during their time in and around the lake. -
How do I find out about the water temperature for race day?
The water temperature will be taken 48hrs and 24hrs prior to the race. In the registration process we ask for your mobile phone number so we can text all participants this information via our Bulk SMS text. This is a free service.
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How do I get to Chantilly?
Chateau de Chantilly is situated in the picturesque town of Chantilly 45km north east of Paris and 250km south of Calais via the A26 and A1 motorway.
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How safe are the cycle routes for each race?
The Markel Castle Triathlon Series has worked very hard to ensure that the cycle route is challenging/rewarding and most importantly safe for participants.
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Each race has a Safety Advisory Group consisting of all relevant stakeholders from the emergency services and local authorities to ensure a safe road environment for all. This group has ensured that all junctions will have the required resource whether a traffic management official or qualified marshal present.
The cycle course will have a marshal stationed approximately 1 kilometre apart. The cycle route has dedicated ambulance on standby at all times. As participants will be using public roads each cyclist has the responsibility to obey the road rules and cycle within the law. -
I am a commercial sponsor and I would like to know more how do I contact you?
Please get in touch with our commercial manager: Brian on +44 (0) 1892 870 681 or brian@castletriathlonseries.co.uk or via info@castletriathlonseries.co.uk and our team will answer any queries or discuss any opportunities further.
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I am having trouble understanding how the team entry works?
Adults and Children: You can enter a team of two or a team of three. This means for each of the three disciplines 1. Swim 2. Cycle 3. Run a team of three - each person chooses which discipline they do. In a team of two one of the members is required to do two disciplines for example; the swim and the run. The team can be made up of both mixed and or single gender
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I am over 60 can I enter the race?
Yes you can.
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I am travelling to the event where can I stay?
There are a number of options for accommodation for all of our events. For the Cholmondeley Castle and Hever Castle Triathlon participants have the option of camping at the estate. Camping will be available on the Friday and Saturday night.
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The Castle Howard Triathlon has camping available directly through Castle Howard. Chateau de Chantilly does not have camping available in 2010. If you are not a camper you will find more information about hotels and B&B contacts on the link below. -
I am unable to race. What are my options?
Before contacting us please read the Terms & Conditions that you agreed to when you entered - Click Here to Download. Any response to email enquiries regarding withdrawal will direct you to the Withdrawal Policy. For an explanation of our withdrawal policy - Click Here.
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As stated in the Terms & Conditions there will be absolutely no refunds.
Teams may make personnel changes but must let us know! Any changes that are not confirmed by the race organiser. If this rule is broken the whole team will be disqualified and further action may be taken.
Note that only withdrawals actioned by mail or email or online will be accepted. All withdrawal emails will be kept on file. The date of receipt of letters or email will be considered as the date of withdrawal. -
I have a medical and or heart condition can I still race?
If you have a medical or heart condition you will need to provide a letter from your doctor and or physician stating you are fit and able to participate in the race. For further information please contact info@castletriathlonseries.co.uk.
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I have entered my first triathlon now how do I get fit to do it?
Training packages including a race starter information pack is available from the link below, which can assist in preparing physically and mentally for the race. There are also training days available for purchase which assist newcomers in tackling a triathlon - preparing for transition / how to change out of your wetsuit / cycling techniques etc. Click here for more info
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I want to enter a race but I cannot swim, can I still enter?
Yes. We offer teams of two or teams of three so you can have a team member undertake the swim, cycle or run, so being able to swim is not compulsory
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Is drafting allowed?
NO. Roving marshals on motorcycles will patrol the cycle route. Time penalties will be incurred at the transition area.
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Is the transition area secured?
Yes transition will be completely secure. Transition will only be accessible by security wristband. Transition will be open the night before your race and secured overnight.
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Is there a separate prize category for over 40s?
Yes there is a separate category for male and female over 40s.
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Is there parking? Is it free?
Free parking is available on all UK based estates. In the case of Chateau de Chantilly parking is available at the adjacent Chantilly racecourse and signed parking surrounding the Chateau. For each of these races we encourage a £5 donation, which will be given directly to our local charities for each race.
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My 11 year old daughter is a better swimmer than me - can she do the swim for me?
In theory this sounds like a good solution, however anyone under the age of 16 cannot take part/substitute or enter any adult race. If you find you are not comfortable with all three disciplines entering as a team of two or three could be a good solution.
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My child is in school year 3 and in school year 4 by the time of the race. What age group do I enter my child?
Your child needs to be entered in the age group that represents your child's age on the day of the race.
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My son and or daughter are 16 can they enter the adult races?
Yes, anyone 16 years and over can enter the adult races either individually or as part of a team.
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Should I wear a wetsuit?
A wetsuit is compulsory if the water temperature is 15 degrees or below. Between 15 degrees and 23 degrees a wetsuit is optional. If the temperature is above 23 degrees then a wetsuit cannot be worn. We would recommend using a wetsuit as this will assist in buoyancy and warmth. The forecasted water temperature is 19 degrees Celsius.
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What is the depth of the lake?
The lakes at all venues have a sufficient depth for a freestyle or front crawl stroke. Although competitors may be able to stand at some points, it must be asumed that any swimmer should be able to complete their distance without standing. Safety boats are on hand at all the races should you run into difficulties.
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What sort of bike do you recommend I use for the race?
With all triathlons depending on experience and budget the recommended bike varies. However, we would recommend a roadworthy road or triathlon specific bike. This could be bought, borrowed or rented for the day. If you are a newcomer and have a mountain bike do not be deterred, as you will not be alone. A mountain bike is adequate and will enable you to compete. For Children's races 8 - 15 years, a mountain bike is needed, as races will take place cross-country on the estate. See here for equipment
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What sort of surface do I run on?
The run is cross country, circumnavigating the estate grounds with a mixture of grass and path and metalled surfaces.
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Where does the cycle take place - is there a route map?
Each cycle route takes place on the public roads surrounding the Castle. The route maps are available for each race on our website and on the day based at the information tent.
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Will each participant receive a medal?
Yes
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