FAQs

1. Are the races open to mixed - both males and females?
2. Are the races professionally timed?
3. Are the roads closed for the cycle at any of the events?
4. Are there showering and toilet facilities?
5. Can I access the Castle and Estate Grounds?
6. Can I bring spectators to the event?
7. Can I change distance once I have booked?
8. Can I listen to music during my race?
9. Can I rack my bike in transition before the race?
10. Can my child enter an adult race?
11. Do I get a discount if I enter more than 1 race?
12. Do I need to bring a swimming hat?
13. Do I need to practice transition?
14. Does my child swim in the lake?
15. How can I raise money for charity?
16. How do I check what or if I have put a unique code in?
17. How do I find out about the water temperature for race day?
18. How do I get to Chantilly?
19. How do I know if I am entered into the race?
20. How do I make sure I start at the same time as Friends & Family?
21. How safe are the cycle routes for each race?
22. I am a commercial sponsor and I would like to know more how do I contact you?
23. I am having trouble understanding how the team entry works?
24. I am over 60 can I enter the race?
25. I am travelling to the event where can I stay?
26. I am unable to race. What are my options?
27. I have a medical and or heart condition can I still race?
28. I have entered my first triathlon now how do I get fit to do it?
29. I want to enter a race but I cannot swim, can I still enter?
30. If I am injured can I just complete one or two of the disciplines?
31. Is drafting allowed?
32. Is food and drink readily available?
33. Is the transition area secured?
34. Is there a separate prize category for over 40s?
35. Is there parking? Is it free?
36. Is there training days I can attend?
37. My 11 year old daughter is a better swimmer than me - can she do the swim for me?
38. 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?
39. My son and or daughter are 16 can they enter the adult races?
40. Should I wear a wetsuit?
41. What is the depth of the lake?
42. What is the order of the disciplines?
43. What sort of bike do you recommend I use for the race?
44. What sort of surface do I run on?
45. What time is my race?
46. Where can I keep my equipment on the day?
47. Where does the cycle take place - is there a route map?
48. Where will I find my race time after I have finished my race?
49. Will each participant receive a medal?
50. Will I be sent anything in the post?

The answers

• 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?

  There are toilet facilities at all of the events, but no showering facilities.

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• Can I access the Castle and Estate Grounds?

  At all venues there are two distinct areas:
  
  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.

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• Can I bring spectators to the event?

  Yes, spectators are very welcome to each Castle (please see each castle page as some may have a spectator fee).

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• Can I change distance once I have booked?

  Yes, if you make your booking and then decide to change you can contact the office to arrange this.

  Please note: If you drop down to a shorter distance, we cannot refund the difference, and if you upgrade to a longer distance the difference will have to be paid.

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• Can I listen to music during my race?

  No, unfortunately for safety reasons we cannot allow the use of personal music players during the course.

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• Can I rack my bike in transition before the race?

  Yes, transition opens at 7am on race day.

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• Can my child enter an adult race?

  Normally this is fine - however please contact the office to discuss individual cases.

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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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• Do I need to bring a swimming hat?

  We will provide you with a coloured swim hat (you are welcome to wear your own underneath for insulation, just ensure our hat is the one on top, on show!)

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• Do I need to practice transition?

  A lot of time can be won or lost during the transition so practice is really important. You also need to get used to the feeling of running on 'cycling legs'.

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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 - 10 years swimming 100m, 10 - 12 years 200m and 13 - 15 years swimming 300m.
  
  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.

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• How can I raise money for charity?

  You can either raise money for 1 of our partner charities and contact them to be sponsored by them. Alternatively you can raise money for a charity of your choice.

  Please let us know if there's anything we can do to help with your fundraising and we will always try to help if we can!

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• How do I check what or if I have put a unique code in?

  The 'Unique Code' is shown on your confirmation email but please contact the office to check/change your unique code.

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• 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 do I know if I am entered into the race?

  If you have received an email entitled 'Booking Confirmation' then you are definitely entered into the race you booked for. If you think you have booked but haven't received a confirmation email (please also check junk mail) let us know and we can look into it.

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• How do I make sure I start at the same time as Friends & Family?

  There is an option during to create a 'Unique Code' that can be put in during the registration process. To ensure that everyone is together, the same code needs to be entered by all.

  If you have already registered and haven't done this, just contact the office with those of you who would like to be together and we can add it on for you.

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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.
  
  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.

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• 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, however adults and children cannot run in the same race.

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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. 
  The Castle Howard Triathlon has camping available directly through Castle Howard. Chateau de Chantilly does not have camping available at the moment. If you are not a camper you will find more information about hotels and B&B contacts here.

  Please see Travel and Accommodation page for more information.

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• I am unable to race. What are my options?

  Before contacting us please read the Terms & Conditions that you agreed to when you entered. Any response to email enquiries regarding withdrawal will direct you to the Withdrawal Policy.
  
  As stated in the Terms & Conditions there will be absolutely no refunds.
  
  Teams may make personnel changes but must let us know! If this rule is broken the whole team will be disqualified and further action may be taken.
  
  Note that only withdrawals actioned by email 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.

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• 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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• If I am injured can I just complete one or two of the disciplines?

  Yes you are very welcome to just do the disciplines you are comfortable with (e.g just the cycle and run), obviously this will make you ineligible for prizes but you are welcome to complete the race like this and your times will still be available for the parts that you do complete.

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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 food and drink readily available?

  All of our events have food and drink stands (what type depends on location) as well as having drink stations on the cycle, and food and drink at the finish line (only at our weekend events). However we do recommend that you bring food and drink with you for before and during the race so that you are not rushed with any queues!

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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 only be open from 7am on the race day itself.

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• Is there a separate prize category for over 40s?

  Yes there is a separate categories for male and female over 40s, 50s and 60s.

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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. 

  Some Castles charge a spectator fee so please check each individual Castle page.

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• Is there training days I can attend?

  You can buy training packages on our website that we run with our training partner -please see training page here.

  We hope to also run training days and/or open water swims at each individual castle for both adults and children but this depends on the demand that we receive.

  Please register your interest for these days here.

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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 31st December 2013.

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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. Unfortunately a tri-suit is not suitable for wearing in the water.

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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 assumed 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 is the order of the disciplines?

  The order of the race is; Swim, Cycle, Run.

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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.

  Also don't forget to bring your cycle helmet and a pump/puncture repair kit!

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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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• What time is my race?

  We send out all admin and information, including your race time within 2 weeks of the event (please contact the office by email nearer the event for any queries about your race admin).

  All of the adult waves start at 8am and then go off in 10-20 minute intervals.

  The Olympic distance normally goes first, then the Mid-distance with the Sprint going last (the relay teams are always in the last wave of their respective distance).

  The kids/junior waves are always in the afternoon, starting at approximately 2pm.

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• Where can I keep my equipment on the day?

  We recommend that you bring a box that you can keep your equipment in during registration. The transition area is secure throughout the day. There will also be facilities to get changed, however unfortunately there is no where safe to lock valuables.

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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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• Where will I find my race time after I have finished my race?

  Most times are available from the timing company on the day (from their timing tent) and they are also posted online the evening of the race (split into race categories).

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• Will each participant receive a medal?

  Yes, these are given out at the finish line.

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• Will I be sent anything in the post?

  No. All of the admin and information is sent out to you by email and/or text message (approximately 2 weeks before the race) and we do not send anything out by post. We also put all this information on our website.

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