Hever Castle 2024 Gauntlet Course Guide

“This is always the best triathlon event in the calendar for me. The team are always on hand to support pre race queries and the set up on the day is second to none and finally the scenery caps it all off! A challenging triathlon and well worth the effort! See you next year!”

Charlie M.

“Brilliantly organised, friendly race. Gauntlet is so tough but amazing course. Lovely, supportive marshals and really good feed stations. Thank you!” Isabelle C.

Dear Competitor,

Signed up or thinking of signing up to this immense challenge? This guide will provide you with all the information you need about The Gauntlet, Middle Distance Triathlon, at Hever Castle.

This race is named after three epic references, the protective glove used as a form of armour during historical battles and the two idioms ‘running the gauntlet’ (to run between two rows of adversaries) and ‘throwing down the gauntlet’ (challenging someone to mortal combat).

Our goal is to ensure you have the best race experience possible and for your family and friends to have a great time supporting you along the route, as well as celebrating with you in our festival village. We want you all to soak up the atmosphere, see the sights and make the castle grounds and the stunning surrounding countryside your playground for the day.

To view our Competitor Guide for 2024 please click here, which will provide information on arrival and car parks, registration, event village as well as information and offers from our Partners.

We wish you all the best with your training and pre-race preparations and we look forward to seeing you at the start line for a race to remember.

Brian Adcock Race Director

YOUR R INFORM

RACE MATION

SWIM COURSE

The 1.9km loop starts and finishes at the Hever Castle’s Italian inspired Loggia. This dynamic course through the Hever Lake takes swimmers past the beautiful Japanese Tea House and around a 16 Acre Island.

THE COURSE

Race Director, Brian Adcock will record an online briefing prior to race day which will be shared on the Event Information page on our website. This short online video will detail course and safety details If you are in a relay team, please ensure every member of your team has watched it. The swim entry point will be from the steps of the Loggia.

The swim course will take triathletes out to the far end of the main lake before turning left around a buoy and into the start of the River Eden tributary. The swimmers pass the Japanese Tea House, following the river to the first wooden bridge before returning back along the same route to the buoy. Be sure to remain on your left hand side of the river and be aware of competitors coming from the opposite direction. From here, swimmers turn left to begin a circular loop along the far lakeside

The final leg of the swim will see you return back towards the loggia. There is a boat ramp, covered in rubber matting, to aid your exit with a helping hand from the swim support team.

Swim buoys will be placed at every hundred metres. A swim gate at 500m will be designated by three adjacent buoys. The swim cut off will be 1.5 hours. Safety is at the heart of the event – we have safety boats and kayaks manned by fully trained

life safety representatives out on the lake for your swim. If you feel that you are in trouble please roll on to your back and raise your arm and someone will be with you immediately. Resting on a boat or kayak at any time during the race is acceptable with no implication on your race timings.

Swimmers will be manually and electronically counted into and out of the water for additional safety. Regular water quality and temperature tests are taken in the upcoming months, weeks and during the event. These will be shared on the Hever Castle competitor information page.

CYCLE COURSE

This is a stunning course through the very best of the Kent countryside where you will experience an impressive 4,790ft ascent over two laps.

JUNCTIONS

All key junctions will be marshalled but please remember you will be riding on public roads not closed to traffic. It is YOUR responsibility to ride within the provisions of the Highway Code and give way where necessary.

OTHER COMPETITORS

On race day, and in particular on your second bike lap, you will be racing alongside competitors in the standard distance race. These competitors will be doing two laps of the 20k course. Please make sure you do not accidentally follow these athletes around the wrong course!

CUT OFF TIME

The cut off time for the bike leg is 5.5 hours. In other words, if you are not back in transition 7 hours after your race start you will not be allowed to continue onto the run section.

FEED STATIONS

There will be feed and water stations out on the bike course Please see the feed stations page for more details.

RELAY TEAMS

Relay teams must ensure they pass the timing chip between team members during transition. This must take place adjacent to your bike location on the bike rack.

LITTER

Competitors must not drop litter out on the course. If caught littering you will be disqualified.

RESPECT FOR ALL

Please respect all other competitors, event staff and members of the public as you race.

CYCLE COURSE

MAP

With a total ascent over the 2 lap course of 1,460m/4,790ft, this is truly one of the most challenging half iron races in Europe.

CYCLE COURSE

LEAVING TRANSITION

After exiting transition competitors head west to the corner of Pokeridge Field in the same direction of travel as exiting runners. On reaching the line of cypress trees, continue straight on the old estate back drive for 600m until you reach the public road. Take care of the narrow road, the line of cones down the middle, returning cyclists on the other side and the speed bumps that are on either side of the estate cottages.

HEVER TO THE A264

On exiting the estate, turn immediately left and then follow the road as it takes a sharp right around the Henry VIII pub. Descend downhill to a T-junction, turn left and then start the 2km ascent up Uckfield Lane to the village of Markbeech

At the crossroads in front of the Kentish Horse pub, turn right under traffic management control and head west out of the village towards The Queens Arms pub at the second crossroads. Turn left here and head south on an undulating B-road until you come to the A264.

A264 TO THE ASHDOWN FOREST

At the A264 you will find an off-set traffic managed crossroads. Follow the marshals and continue straight on here for a further 4km before making the village of Hartfield At the first T-junction turn right and then head through the middle of the village taking care at the two pinch points that have been inserted as traffic calming measures. On exiting the village turn immediately left up Jib Jacks Hill which climbs steeply at first and then more gently up to a high point on the Ashdown Forest.

THE ASHDOWN FOREST TO GROOMBRIDGE

At the high point of the Ashdown Forest cyclists will turn left and after 400m arrive at the Feed Station. Continue straight on and descend steeply from the Ashdown until crossing underneath the lines of the Spa Valley Railway and climbing up a small incline into the village of Groombridge.

GROOMBRIDGE TO PENSHURST

Pass through the middle of Groombridge, over the mini roundabout and past the local pub, The Crown, before ascending steeply up Groombridge Hill. At the top of Groombridge Hill turn left just after the farm shop onto the A264. A brief stint on the A264 before

turning right onto the Fordcombe Road. Head steeply downhill through the village of Fordcombe (take care of churchgoers parking their cars on the left hand side of the road) and then over the River Medway before climbing steeply into the village of Penshurst.

PENSHURST TO HEVER CASTLE

In Penshurst turn left at the Village Hall and then head north up the Penshurst Road for 2km before turning left towards Chiddingstone Causeway. Descend steeply through Morden before crossing over the Edenbridge to Tonbridge railway line and coming to a T-junction Turn left here and follow the B-road on flat terrain through the villages of Chiddingstone Causeway and Bough Beech, then back to Hever. Look out for the churchyard and pub before turning left back onto the estate and returning to transition via the old back driveway

SECOND LAPPERS

Those continuing for a 2nd lap do not turn left through the wooden gates but merely continue straight on for their second lap. Having completed their second lap they can then turn left and return to transition keeping the cones on their right hand side as they follow the back drive.

CYCLE COURSE

KEY MILESTONES

Please take note of the following key junctions/ points of interest on the cycle course:

0.5K

MARSHAL POINT 2

This is a sharp left hand turn approached at a decent speed. There is a Traffic Management marshal there who will hold traffic for you on a STOP/ GO board – please control your speed and do not swing into the opposite lane as you turn the corner.

2.7K

MARSHAL POINT 3

This is a right hand turn at a junction. Again traffic will be controlled with STOP/ GO signs but please exercise caution and make sure that you follow the same route for the second lap and do not accidentally follow any Olympic Distance competitors around the shorter distance 20K loop.

4K

MARSHAL POINT 15

This is a sharp left hand turn at a junction called Cowden Pound directly opposite a famous local pub called the Queen’s Arms.

8K

MARSHAL POINT 17

This is an offset cross-roads where you will turn left initially, cycle for 30 yards and then turn right across the busy A264. The road will be traffic controlled with STOP/ GO signs but please be vigilant as this is a fast piece of a road.

11.3K

MARSHAL POINTS 18, 18a, 18b

Point 18 is a right turn at a junction after a steep little climb into the village of Hartfield. This will be traffic controlled with STOP/GO signs but again please exercise caution. Points 18a and 18b are road pinch points which will both be traffic marshalled Point 18a is not your right of way but 18b is, as you exit the village.

26.7 & 27.3K

MARSHAL POINTS 25 & 26

Point 25 is a right hand turn at a junction after a small climb that passes under a railway bridge. It will be traffic controlled with STOP/ GO boards but please exercise caution turning onto the Withyham Road. Point 26 is a mini roundabout. Please take care as you approach, particularly as traffic joining from your right may be hidden.

29.3K

MARSHAL POINT 29

This is a right turn off the A264 It will be traffic controlled with STOP/ GO signs but please exercise caution when crossing the carriageway. It immediately follows a sharp left hand turn off the Groombridge Road.

32K

MARSHAL POINT 31

This is a narrow bridge that crosses the River Medway. It is marshalled and it is your right of way but be careful of speeding and unsighted motorists coming in the opposite direction over the bridge!

34.4K

MARSHAL POINT 7

Beware of other cyclists joining from the left at this junction. You have right of way and will be given the priority over cyclists joining the road but beware of queuing traffic on your second lap when the roads will be at their busiest with other competitors doing the shorter distance cycle (20K). There is also a pinch point at the narrow bridge shortly after this junction. Beware of queuing traffic.

38.5K

MARSHAL POINT 10

This a left turn just after a small incline onto the B2027, which is the main road between Tonbridge and Edenbridge. Cars travelling East to West are unsighted as they approach the junction due to a small hill about 50 yards from the junction This will be traffic controlled with STOP/ GO boards but please exercise caution

41.6K

MARSHAL POINT 11A

This is a narrow bridge which goes underneath the railway. As you approach at speed you will be faced with a sharp left hand turn which, if you are going too fast, will throw you into the middle of the road Traffic coming in the opposite direction often moves into the middle of the road so please be careful! Marshals on either side of the bridge will wave red warning flags to alert competitors and motorists alike of the dangers.

RUN COURSE

After you leave the second transition you will begin the run course which consists of two loops of 10.5km totalling 21km. The course will test you physically and mentally, but it is the final hurdle before the finish!

THE ROUTE

A large proportion of the run route is off-road with many competitors choosing to wear trail or multi-terrain run shoes.

Overall the run elevation is 80m per lap so a total of 160 metres.

The finish line is situated by the event village close to the castle lake where a host of refreshments and drinks will be on offer.

PUBLIC SHARING PARTS OF THE ROUTE

Please exercise caution when running along all sections of the route as there may be walkers, people on horseback and motorists the same tracks, bridleways and roads.

CUT OFF TIME

Runners who have not start 2nd lap 8 hours 30mins aft start will not be allowed to h around the 10.5km loop for time but will instead be dire down the finishing chute.

LITTER

Competitors must not drop on the course. If caught litte will be disqualified.

RESPECT FOR ALL

Please respect all other competitors, event staff and members of the public as you race

RUN COURSE

LEAVING TRANSITION

After exiting transition competitors head west to the corner of Pokeridge Field in the same direction of travel as exiting cyclists. On reaching the line of cypress trees turn left and head up the old gardeners path towards Threshers Fields and where the old walled garden of the estate remains to this day.

PARK WOOD AND THRESHERS FIELD

Having emerged into the sunlight at the top of the heavily wooded track, keep the large wood, Park Wood, on your left hand side and run along the manicured path until your reach the first Feed Station. Immediately after the Feed Station turn left and after 50 yards, with a line of old estate cottages on your right-hand side, turn right once you make the metalled road.

LOCKSKINNERS AND BRIDLEPATH

Follow the metalled road for 600m and then turn left onto a bridle track where the road makes a sharp right. Follow the bridle path for 400m up and over a small col before descending downhill and turning right onto a public footpath. A steady climb uphill through an area called Mounters will eventually bring runners to the high point of the run in Stock Wood. Descend from here on a well-made track (this can be muddy

if it rains in the run up to the event) into a wood called Sliders. After running alongside a couple of large fields, pass a small lake and then pass through the small hamlet of Hill Hoath.

CHIDDINGSTONE HIGH STREET, CASTLE AND GROUNDS

A further couple of fields are followed by a shallow descent onto the tarmac road of Chiddingstone High Street. Pass the school, the church and the pub and then enter the Chiddingstone Castle grounds via a large gate adjacent to the pub. Here you’ll find the second Feed Station. Head downhill over a bridge that spans the castle lake and then pass in front of the castle itself before leaving the grounds via the main entry gate. Hereupon turn immediately left and follow the road for 200 yards before turning right down a forestry track directly opposite the Castle Orangery.

PARK WOOD AND THRESHERS FIELD

Next, runners pass through a horse cross country course field and then arrive back at the Threshers Fields and the third Feed Station (same as the first one) Re-entering Park Wood head downhill until reaching the lake and turn right before circumnavigating the lake, the formal castle grounds and eventually ending up back at Pokeridge Field for your grandstand finish.

RUN COURSE

KEY MILESTONES

Please take note of the following 13 key junctions and points of interest on the run course.

0.5K

MARSHAL POINTS 1 – 2

This is a bit of an uphill challenge on an uneven track. Underneath the pedestrian footbridge it can be a bit mucky but it is only for approx. 15m.

1.3K

FEED STATION 1

As you run along the footpath handrailing Park Wood you will approach Feed Station

1. Pass the feed station and then turn immediately left, following the signs that say Gauntlet Route and head towards the public road at Marshal Pt 3.

1.3K

MARSHAL POINT 3

This is a road crossing on a country lane It will be double marshalled but please remain vigilant as you approach the junction.

1.3 - 1.8K

MARSHAL POINTS 3 - 4

You will be running for 500m along a country lane – please keep tucked in to the left hand side of the road.

2.5K

MARSHAL

POINTS 5

50m before entering the hamlet of Hill Hoath you will turn right and head uphill, initially on a path through the horse rider’s cross country course and then onto a public footpath. Run along here for 500m before arriving at the Water Station and Marshal Pt 7.

3.6K

MARSHAL

POINT 8

At the bottom of Sliders Wood take care as you descend to the babbling brook on a greasy path and likewise as you head back uphill to regain the edge of a wood and farmer’s field.

5.2K

MARSHAL

POINT 12

Here you will emerge from a public footpath and turn left along Chiddingstone High Street Please keep to the left of the cones that will lead you down to the feed station and the East gates of Chiddingstone Castle. Please be careful of walkers and motorists in the High Street.

5.5K

MARSHAL POINTS 13

This is a narrow bridge across the lake at Chiddingstone Castle. There will be marshals here to ensure there are no head-ons with members of the public visiting the castle.

6K

MARSHAL POINT 14

These are the western gates of Chiddingstone Castle and you will turn left once you have passed through them. It will be marshalled but beware you are now back on the public road (albeit a quiet one) for the next 200m.

7.1K

MARSHAL POINT 3

You will re-cross the public road again at this point. It is marshalled but please exercise caution.

7.2K

FEED STATION 1

You will re-join the main Hever route here and may well be joined by cyclists from the childrens’ events (that will have started at 2pm) as you head down the hill through Park Wood towards the eastern end of Hever Lake.

9.7K

MARSHAL POINTS 28

Nearly there! One last steep gravelly hill of around 50m length and then you have 300m of grassy, finely mowed downhill before you have completed your first lap.

10.2K

MARSHAL POINTS 29

Cross over a tarmac road by some ticket huts and you will see the main event village in front of you Watch out at the various pedestrian crossing points as you circumnavigate transition passing the finish chute off to your right. Next time around you will be the one crossing the line!

FEED STATIONS

The Castle Race Series will be providing you with comprehensive food and drink stations.

ON THE BIKE

A feed station will be placed at Black Hill Car Park on the Ashdown Forest (pretty much the highest point on the course) at 18K into the bike route. You will pass this feed station twice, once at 18K and then again on your second lap at 63K.

A team of volunteers will have a selection of food and drink available for you.

Drinks from these stations will be handed out in bike specific drink bottles. Each station will be preceded by a large container ready to catch your empty bottles or litter. Furthermore, there will be a water station at 35.5km, manned by volunteers, in the layby in the village of Penshurst, which you will pass again at 80.5K on your second lap. Please note that this water station will also be used by standard distance competitors There will also be a waste bin approximately 50 metres before the aid station.

ON THE RUN

There will be 2 feed stations. The 1st feed station will be at 1.5K at the South East corner of Park Wood You will pass this at 1.5, 6.5, 13 and 19.5K. A 2nd feed station will be placed just inside the Castle gates by The Castle Inn in Chiddingstone High Street. This is 6K into the run. You will therefore pass this twice, once at 6K on your first lap and again at 16 5K on your second lap

A team of volunteers will have a selection of food and drink available for you.

Drinks from these stations will be handed out in cups. Please use the bins provided further along the course for your empties rather than dropping them in the grounds of the Castles! There will be two additional water stations, one at Stock Wood, at 3.5k and one in the field opposite the rear of the castle at 9.5k. You will pass these again on your second lap at 14k and 20k. Please note that all of these aid stations will also be used by standard distance competitors.

SPECTATORS VIEW

Many of you will be bringing spectators to watch your herculean efforts. This is our recommendation for your supporters, based on a 6 hour race completion time.

07:00

Go and have a coffee in the Festival Village whilst you register and rack.

08:00

Make their way to 16 acre island (see swim map) to watch the swim. This is accessed via the Italianate Gardens at the back of the Loggia - follow the signs to the Water Maze. Just before you come to the water maze you will cross over the river via a footbridge and this is 16 Acre lsland where you will be able to view the swimmers.

Alternatively you can walk along the southern shore of the lake along a gravel path and view the swimmers from the other side of the lake.

08:40

Run back to the swim exit point so you can watch your swimmers climb out of the water and run back up the hill to transition.

08:45

Walk over to the Bike Mount Point and cheer them off on their cycle.

09:40

Enjoy the Event Village and entertainment we have put on for you.

for the Gauntlet run route (1 small section of road, the rest on footpaths and bridleways) and walk to the village of Chiddingstone (approx 4k).

12:00

Have an early lunch and a pint at the Castle Inn in Chiddingstone which is co-located by the Run Feed Station just within the gates to Chiddingstone Castle. Should be lots of excitement and music etc. Watch your competitor run past the pub and Feed Station, 4K into their 21K run.

13:00

Make your way back to the Finish Line (3K in distance) but don’t follow the Gauntlet Run Route signs once you get back onto the Hever Estate - just retrace your steps back along the public footpath but watch out for runners coming in the opposite direction. You should catch your competitor just starting out on his second lap of the run.

14:00

10:30

Walk back, via the same footpath, and then either enjoy the grounds of Hever for an hour or so or follow the signage

Arrive at the Finish Line and cheer your competitor across the Finish Line. Please note that we expect the winner to complete the race in around 4 hours and 30 minutes. Please be mindful of runners on the course and give them plenty of room. If you have small kids then a slightly less ambitious day on the Hever estate might be a better plan - there will still be loads for them to do!

PRIZES

PRIZES, AGE GROUPS & PRIZE GIVING

The podium winners will receive a trophy along with prize envelope.

There will also be Age Group trophies for Senior (18-39 years), 40+, 50+ and 60+ first places.

The prize giving will take place in the event village during the afternoon of race day.

EACH COMPETITOR WILL RECEIVE

– Bespoke Gauntlet technical t-shirt

– A well-earned warm meal on completion of the race. (This can be claimed by entering the Gauntlet competitor’s marquee and presenting the wristband worn during the race).

– A free massage by the finish line

– The opportunity to shower in the campsite showers.

– Bespoke medal.

We look forward to seeing you on race day and wish you luck for your final preparations.