Event information
Swim 400 metres at The Schools at Somerhill, cycle 16 miles to our HQ, The Chequers Pub in Laddingford, then a 3.5 mile run back to The Chequers Pub for a drink and a lay down!
The date & Time
Sunday 25th May 2014 registration time will be announced nearer the time.
IMPORTANT
If you need a lift back to the school after the race to collect your car after the race, please let us know by Friday lunchtime latest. We cannot guarantee to meet any requests after that time. Please email Neal Turner - [email protected]
the start
The event starts at The Schools at Somerhill in Tonbridge, Kent (see below for location).
Start times will be staggered to accommodate the slowest swimmers first. Your estimated start time will be emailed to you one week prior to the event.
Bags will be provided to transport your running shoes, any clothes, or other personal effects to the finish. We accept no liability for any loss or damage to your personal belongings
Please ensure that you have registered, handed in your run shoe bag and racked your bike 30 minutes before your allocated start time. You must be on poolside 10 minutes before your estimated start time. Please note; start times are not guaranteed due to the nature of the event.
Start times will be staggered to accommodate the slowest swimmers first. Your estimated start time will be emailed to you one week prior to the event.
Bags will be provided to transport your running shoes, any clothes, or other personal effects to the finish. We accept no liability for any loss or damage to your personal belongings
Please ensure that you have registered, handed in your run shoe bag and racked your bike 30 minutes before your allocated start time. You must be on poolside 10 minutes before your estimated start time. Please note; start times are not guaranteed due to the nature of the event.
Parking
Parking at The Schools at Somerhill is free. If you park in an undesignated spot, we accept no responsibility for parking fines etc. If you are coming alone and need a lift back to the pool from the finish in Laddingford, please let us know well in advance so that we may try to arrange a lift back; though this cannot be guaranteed. Parking at the finish is restricted to local roads so please respect the residents.
registration
Registration will take place at The Schools at Somerhill ; this will be in the main pool area and will be clearly signposted. Please arrive in good time to register well before 08:30, when registration will close. Sorry, but no exceptions as we only have a limited time to use the pool. At registration, you will be numbered on the arms and legs and issued with your event numbers, these must be worn on the back (for the cycle) and front (for the run) of your shirt and must remain visible at all times.
You will be given a race numbers at registration, which must be on the front of your top. Race number belts may be worn.
At registration you will be given two bags.
The first bag is for your clothing before you swim and goggles/swim cap after your swim. This is to be left by your bike as you depart for the bike leg and must be secured.
The second bag is for your running shoes and cap, shades etc. As soon as you register and affix your numbers, you put your trainers and any other clothing you need for the run into this bag and take it to the delivery van just outside the pool/registration. You then give it to the marshall who will check it is secure before putting it in the van for onward transportation to the bike transition area at the Chequers in Laddingford. It will be placed next to the numbered space on the bike rack that corresponds with your race number, long before you arrive there. Please ensure both bags have their numbers visible. Please make sure EVERYTHING you want to be taken to the finish is in there – we cannot be held responsible for anything you leave behind.
Once you have done the above, you will need to put the sticker with your race number on, onto your bike. This is for identification at the end when you collect it after the race. No number on you/the bike will mean you will have to wait until all bikes have been collected to ensure it is the correct bike. You then take your bike to transition. (We will check that your cycle helmet id of BSI or ANSI standard. No helmet – no race. If in doubt, please see BTF rules
PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR RACE NUMBER IS VISIBLE ON ALL BAGS
PLEASE NOTE – registration will close prompt at 08.30, again, no exceptions
You will be given a race numbers at registration, which must be on the front of your top. Race number belts may be worn.
At registration you will be given two bags.
The first bag is for your clothing before you swim and goggles/swim cap after your swim. This is to be left by your bike as you depart for the bike leg and must be secured.
The second bag is for your running shoes and cap, shades etc. As soon as you register and affix your numbers, you put your trainers and any other clothing you need for the run into this bag and take it to the delivery van just outside the pool/registration. You then give it to the marshall who will check it is secure before putting it in the van for onward transportation to the bike transition area at the Chequers in Laddingford. It will be placed next to the numbered space on the bike rack that corresponds with your race number, long before you arrive there. Please ensure both bags have their numbers visible. Please make sure EVERYTHING you want to be taken to the finish is in there – we cannot be held responsible for anything you leave behind.
Once you have done the above, you will need to put the sticker with your race number on, onto your bike. This is for identification at the end when you collect it after the race. No number on you/the bike will mean you will have to wait until all bikes have been collected to ensure it is the correct bike. You then take your bike to transition. (We will check that your cycle helmet id of BSI or ANSI standard. No helmet – no race. If in doubt, please see BTF rules
PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR RACE NUMBER IS VISIBLE ON ALL BAGS
PLEASE NOTE – registration will close prompt at 08.30, again, no exceptions
transition areas
There is a car park at The Schools at Somerhill and the front car park of the Chequers Pub in Laddingford (see below for location). Competitors only will be allowed in the transition enclosure. Remember, no nudity is permitted and will result in instant event disqualification. It is your responsibility to rack your bike in the numbered slot that corresponds with your race number.
You must run or walk your bike in or out of the transition area, you must not ride your bike around the transition area, the entrance and exit onto the cycle route will be clearly marked.
You must run or walk your bike in or out of the transition area, you must not ride your bike around the transition area, the entrance and exit onto the cycle route will be clearly marked.
RELAY TEAMS
The swimmer will complete the swim and exit the pool, (calling out their number) and go to the bike start where they tag their cyclist. The cyclist can then start the ride. At the bike finish, the cyclist dismounts, racks their bike, removes helmet and runs/walks around the transition one-way to tag the runner who will be waiting at the start of the run course. These instructions will be reiterated again before the swim start, but please make sure your team members understand. Marshals at both points will help you if needed.
swim 400 metres
Please arrive on poolside by 08:50 at the latest. Relay teams will be first off at 09:00, in 10 second intervals for the first three. They will be followed by breast strokers then front crawl swimmers. Please note, there will be a maximum of 3 people in a lane at once. There will be a short verbal briefing and you will be shown written instructions about the swim. Please take the time to read and understand it. It is for your safety and enjoyment. Any questions, please feel free to ask!! Your race number will then be marked on your left arm & left leg.
You will then be called by race number to the appropriate lane and the timing marshal will tell you which way to swim (clockwise or ant-clockwise). He will then let you acclimatise (check your goggles don’t leak etc.) then give you a 10 second warning before telling you to GO.
You will be given a coloured swim cap which must be worn – Red, White or Yellow. Please put this on before entering the pool. This is used by the lap counters on poolside to make sure that you do the required 16 lengths of the pool. Once you have finished your swim, please remove the swim cap and give to the marshal before exiting the pool.
You will swim 400 meters (16 lengths) and when you have completed 14 lengths the lap counter will place a board in the water with the number 2 on it. This means that you have 2 lengths to go. Exit the pool when finished, remove your swim cap (as described above), and proceed back to transition and your bike. Please call out your event number to the swim timekeepers as you exit the pool. PLEASE DO NOT RUN ALONG POOLSIDE.
Should you have difficulty, please lie on your back and raise one arm. The lifeguards will attend to you. If you do not make the swim, please let the swim director know once you are safe and well. If you need medical treatment, The Red Cross Medical personnel will be there to attend to you. In the unlikely event that you need hospital treatment, they will take you to the nearest appropriate hospital.
You will then be called by race number to the appropriate lane and the timing marshal will tell you which way to swim (clockwise or ant-clockwise). He will then let you acclimatise (check your goggles don’t leak etc.) then give you a 10 second warning before telling you to GO.
You will be given a coloured swim cap which must be worn – Red, White or Yellow. Please put this on before entering the pool. This is used by the lap counters on poolside to make sure that you do the required 16 lengths of the pool. Once you have finished your swim, please remove the swim cap and give to the marshal before exiting the pool.
You will swim 400 meters (16 lengths) and when you have completed 14 lengths the lap counter will place a board in the water with the number 2 on it. This means that you have 2 lengths to go. Exit the pool when finished, remove your swim cap (as described above), and proceed back to transition and your bike. Please call out your event number to the swim timekeepers as you exit the pool. PLEASE DO NOT RUN ALONG POOLSIDE.
Should you have difficulty, please lie on your back and raise one arm. The lifeguards will attend to you. If you do not make the swim, please let the swim director know once you are safe and well. If you need medical treatment, The Red Cross Medical personnel will be there to attend to you. In the unlikely event that you need hospital treatment, they will take you to the nearest appropriate hospital.
cycle 17.5 miles (see below for route)
The bike route comprises of one lap totalling 17.48 miles. The route is marshalled by 12 marshals and well signposted. There will also be fluorescent signs on the road before any turning or junction. Please ensure that your event number is clearly visible at all times.
Please note the mandatory BTF rule which stipulates; Cycle helmets must worn and fully fastened before your bike is un-racked and must remain so until it is re-racked at the conclusion of the cycle discipline. No HELMET – no participation. It is your responsibility to ensure that your bike is in a roadworthy condition. Drafting rules relative to the bike section will be enforced, and if you are unsure, please visit the BTF website. Basically you must be about four bike lengths away from the bike in front unless passing. You will have a minute to pass and the rider being passed MUST drop back. We do not want bunches of riders on the road for your own safety, and with the explicit reminder that the Highway Code must be obeyed at all times.
Any athlete not complying with these instructions will receive a time penalty or may even be disqualified or not allowed to take part.
There is a railway level crossing gate at Beltring, if you have to stop you will be given time credits but ONLY IF you call your number so that the marshal can hear it. We will try to capture all stops but please bear with us if you/we miss one. This is a charity event and therefore is run in that spirit.
Please call out your event number to the timekeeper as you dismount your bike.
During the cycle discipline you must obey the normal rules of the road and the Highway Code. Any failure to follow the instruction given by a race official, marshal or Police Officer, riding dangerously is unacceptable and will not be condoned. Exhibiting behaviour likely to bring the sport into disrepute etc. could result in injury and jeopardise future events. It is the responsibility of the athlete to safely navigate the course.
Be aware that the roads are open to the public and care should be exercised when completing the cycle discipline. The roads may have potholes due to the winter weather etc.
In the event of unusual weather conditions (extreme heat) we will double the amount of fluid available at the Chequers and again suggest competitors take similar steps with the fluid on the bike. There will be NO water stops on the bike course.
Please note the mandatory BTF rule which stipulates; Cycle helmets must worn and fully fastened before your bike is un-racked and must remain so until it is re-racked at the conclusion of the cycle discipline. No HELMET – no participation. It is your responsibility to ensure that your bike is in a roadworthy condition. Drafting rules relative to the bike section will be enforced, and if you are unsure, please visit the BTF website. Basically you must be about four bike lengths away from the bike in front unless passing. You will have a minute to pass and the rider being passed MUST drop back. We do not want bunches of riders on the road for your own safety, and with the explicit reminder that the Highway Code must be obeyed at all times.
Any athlete not complying with these instructions will receive a time penalty or may even be disqualified or not allowed to take part.
There is a railway level crossing gate at Beltring, if you have to stop you will be given time credits but ONLY IF you call your number so that the marshal can hear it. We will try to capture all stops but please bear with us if you/we miss one. This is a charity event and therefore is run in that spirit.
Please call out your event number to the timekeeper as you dismount your bike.
During the cycle discipline you must obey the normal rules of the road and the Highway Code. Any failure to follow the instruction given by a race official, marshal or Police Officer, riding dangerously is unacceptable and will not be condoned. Exhibiting behaviour likely to bring the sport into disrepute etc. could result in injury and jeopardise future events. It is the responsibility of the athlete to safely navigate the course.
Be aware that the roads are open to the public and care should be exercised when completing the cycle discipline. The roads may have potholes due to the winter weather etc.
In the event of unusual weather conditions (extreme heat) we will double the amount of fluid available at the Chequers and again suggest competitors take similar steps with the fluid on the bike. There will be NO water stops on the bike course.
run 3.5 miles
On leaving the transition area, please ensure that your number is clearly visible on your chest.
This is a loop run course and will be clearly signposted and marshalled. Please follow marshal’s instructions and directions. Again, there will be fluorescent signs around the route. There will be a water stop as you enter the pear orchard in Pikefish Lane. Please run around the orchard in an anti-clockwise direction, following the marshal instructions and arrows. This is firm grass, but please take care when running on this surface. Try not to throw your water cup into the orchard, we will have an area for cup drop just before you enter the orchard.
This is a loop run course and will be clearly signposted and marshalled. Please follow marshal’s instructions and directions. Again, there will be fluorescent signs around the route. There will be a water stop as you enter the pear orchard in Pikefish Lane. Please run around the orchard in an anti-clockwise direction, following the marshal instructions and arrows. This is firm grass, but please take care when running on this surface. Try not to throw your water cup into the orchard, we will have an area for cup drop just before you enter the orchard.
the finish
Please shout your number as you cross the finish line and check that you have been correctly recorded.
Once you have finished, you will be given your tee shirt and memento. There will be drinks and food available inside The Chequers. Please clear the finish area as soon as you are able but stay around and enjoy the live music as performed by professional singer, triathlete and Team Outrageous member, Debbie Haze.
The bags you left by your bike and in the registration area will be available for collection at the rear of The Chequers, adjacent to bike transition. You will need to show your race number to collect your bike and bags.
Finally, we hope that you have a safe and enjoyable race, and once again thank you for supporting Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Once you have finished, you will be given your tee shirt and memento. There will be drinks and food available inside The Chequers. Please clear the finish area as soon as you are able but stay around and enjoy the live music as performed by professional singer, triathlete and Team Outrageous member, Debbie Haze.
The bags you left by your bike and in the registration area will be available for collection at the rear of The Chequers, adjacent to bike transition. You will need to show your race number to collect your bike and bags.
Finally, we hope that you have a safe and enjoyable race, and once again thank you for supporting Great Ormond Street Hospital.
medical information
On race day medical cover will be provided by St Johns Ambulance. An ambulance will be based at the school site and ready to respond to any incident whether within the grounds or on the cycle/run routes.
Please see FAQs for a reminder of medical issues you should bear in mind before and during race day.
Please see FAQs for a reminder of medical issues you should bear in mind before and during race day.
Locations
the schools at somerhillThe Schools at Somerhill
Somerhill Tonbridge Kent TN11 0NJ 01732 352124 |
The Chequers Pub (finish)Laddingford
Maidstone Kent ME18 6BP 01622 871266 |