EVENT GUIDE
Belvoir Castle, Grantham, Leicestershire, NG32 1PE
Welcome to the Belvoir Castle Triathlon, thank you for joining us. After the success of last year’s event and through the challenges of organising the events through a Pandemic, we are privileged to be invited back to this unique, picturesque estate.
Please be mindful the venue is a working estate and be courteous to everyone, respect the estate, residents , private areas and enjoy this glorious setting. Thank you to the owners and all staff at the estate for allowing us to use their stunning home.
Thank you for your support, in particular those who entered the event early –it really is massively appreciated.
Thank you to all the brilliant people (our helpers) who give up their valuable time to make it possible for us all enjoy the event.
Enjoy the event
Rebecca & Dean Hughes
Please read all this information carefully – thank you ***Individual start times/race numbers will be published the midweek pre event***
Venue & Directions – Belvoir Castle, Grantham, Leicestershire, NG32 1PE
- Belvoir Castle is situated in the heart of the Vale of Belvoir, between Nottingham and Grantham.
- Follow this link for directions to Belvoir Castle on Google maps
- Please remember that cyclists will be out on the cycle course and if any of your friends and family are arriving after 7.30am, please drive carefully on your approach to the estate – thank you
Please allow plenty of time to park, register if you haven’t already on the Saturday, rack your cycle and get to the swim start - we recommend arriving at least 90min before your start time.
Car Parking
- Car parking will be signposted to the event field from Woolsthorpe road - left turn if coming from Woolsthorpe and right turn if coming from Belvoir: https://w3w.co/basher.warned.failed
- PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN THE MAIN BELVOIR CASTLE VISITORS CAR PARK.
- Car parking – each car is charged at £5 - all profits go to the charity Headway.
- Please ensure you have the correct cash/card on entry to avoid unnecessary queuing – thank you
Registration – Day before & event day
****The Registration on the Saturday is 4 - 5pm OPTIONAL & Registration on the Sunday (Event Day) will be near the Transition area, open from 5.15am****
- Please note: ALL under 16’s will need to complete a parental consent form BEFORE the event. Complete here. Please complete this before Thursday 31 August - thank you
- Before registering, please find your race number on the start entry list (this can be found on the website when released) and on entering the registration area.
- If you are a BTF member, please show your BTF License with photo or you will be asked to pay the day license fee (£6 – adults and £1 - under 15-19 years). If you are not a BTF member, then you pick up a day license from registration.
- All competitors will receive, 1 x swim hat, 2 x race numbers (to be pinned at least all 4 corners back and front of your race top, or back-to-back on a race belt). Please bring your own safety pins.
- Adult competitors will also receive 3 x number stickers, one for your bike frame, one for your helmet and bag drop.
- All competitors will also receive a wrist band, and this will be your pass and checked on entry to the transition area and the swim holding area. No wrist band, no entry.
- Timing chips - please don’t forget to secure on your left ankle before going down to the lake. If you lose your chip, you will be charged - £60!
- Please ensure your race number is visible at all times & do not fold your numbers! You may receive a 2-minute penalty if you do!
- You are advised to register on Saturday 2nd September between 4-5pm if you are local – this is optional though. This provides an ideal opportunity to familiarise yourself with the venue, in/outs etc. The swim course will be marked out and some barriers will be in place giving you a feel for how the event will look on Sunday.
- There will be safety briefings before you enter the water on Raceday in the swim holding area.
- Bikes will be racked on the Sunday only.
Belvoir Castle Triathlon 2023
Event Timings –
- The first wave of competitors will be off at 6am. – middle distance competitors. Swimmers will start in waves depending on your estimated swim time submitted on entry and the number of competitors competing in each distance.
- Please note: It is your responsibility to be in swim holding area 15mins before your allocated start time. You will receive a compulsory safety briefing before entering the lake. If you miss your start time, you will be asked to wait for the next wave.
- Only competitors will be permitted in the swim holding area
- Please respect the helpers/marshals and one-way systems and barriers in place to ensure everyone’s safety ***As always, we will aim to keep to schedule, however things happen, and our focus is ensuring everyone is safe in each race. Please keep your ears open to the commentator who will keep you in the loop with timings and any delays. Please be patient, be courteous AND KIND - We are only human after all. ***
Belvoir Castle Triathlon 2023
Transition Area – ***Open from 5.15am onwards ***
- Entry to the transition area will require you to show your wristband, race number, helmet, and bike frame number and a bike in good working order. Should you wish to take your bike out (this is for security reasons) there will be one main entrance to the transition area.
- The transition area will only be open to competitors ONLY and will remain open throughout the duration of the event so if you are preparing to race or have finished racing, please be aware of competitors who are still racing, they will have right of way!
- It is important that you understand where all the entrances and exits are and where your bike is in relation to these!
- Also make sure you set out your equipment, so that when you come into transition from the swim, your bike gear is ready to go and similarly, when you return from the bike leg, your running gear is ready to go.
- PLEASE BE PATIENT and respect organisers and helpers – thank you. Rudeness will not be tolerated.
- Bag drop area – there will be a small bag drop area at the back of transition for those who need to leave belongings - please ensure all your belongings are enclosed in a bag with your number on.
- We advise you to leave valuables with friends and family.
The Lake Swim.
- Wetsuits are optional above 14 degrees – temperature on Sunday 24/8 was 22 degrees!
- Follow these links to view the Swim course maps:
- Middle Distance (4 x laps) and Olympic Distance (3 x laps) Course map.
- Sprint (2 x laps) & Super Sprint (1 x lap) Course map.
- Competitors need to be in the swim holding area 15mins before your start time, changed, ready to race with your timing chip on your left ankle, PLEASE ENSURE YOUR TIMING CHIP IS VISIBLE, NOT UNDER YOUR WETSUIT. Thank you.
- The swim start is approx. 400m from transition so please allow plenty of time to walk down to the lake. We recommend you wear something on your feet, flip flops, Crocs etc and leave by the swim start. We will bag them all and send to registration for you at the end of the race.
- Your start time/wave number is based on your estimated swim time submitted on entry. We recommend you start at the back of your wave if you are inexperienced in open water.
- Please be mindful there will be swimmers setting off in waves and the course is multi lap, so please try to avoid any collisions and look where you are swimming every few strokes! Also, if you don’t look where you are swimming, you may complete an extra few meters!
- On completion of your swim distance, exit the lake using the swim exit ramp and run (grass) up to the transition area – approx. 400m from the swim exit. The surface up to the transition area is grass and a channel will be marked out with blue flags all the way up to the SWIM IN (to transition) – you may want to leave trainers near swim exit to run/walk up to transition. For those that do, there will be a designated area for this – 50m either side of the blue flags after exiting the ramp.
- Swim hats are supplied and are compulsory for safety reasons.
Start times are based on your estimated swim time with the fastest swimmers starting in the first waves of your distance. However, it is recommend to start at the back of your wave if you are relatively inexperienced in OPEN WATER
***There will be no changing facilities, only Porta loos***
Belvoir Castle Triathlon 2023
- Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions and ensure you have familiarised yourself with the bike routes
- Please ride to the conditions of the road and be courteous and mindful of other roads users. None of the roads are closed for the event, we are sharing the roads with other users. please ensure you study the route for your distance.
- Ensure your race number is clearly visible on the BACK of your outer clothing and your bike number clearly visible on your seat post and helmet.
- You must have your helmet fastened, before you can touch your bike and make your way out of the BIKE OUT channel.
- On exiting the bike out channel, you will mount your bike after the MOUNT LINE. DO NOT mount your bike before this point; or you may be disqualified as this is for your own safety.
Please note: all the roads used in this route are OPEN to the public. You are expected to adhere to all rules of the Highway Code, this means giving way to traffic at junctions. Marshalls are positioned as a presence (ONLY in key areas), NOT to stop traffic for you!
Any competitors seen to not be adhering to these rules or riding dangerously or discourteously will be disqualified. It isn’t worth taking unnecessary risks for the sake of a couple of seconds! We will have 2 x Technical Officials on motorbikes patrolling around the course ensuring all competitors are abiding to the rules.
The bike route is undulating, or some may say Hilly – depending on what you are used too �� through the stunning Vale of Belvoir countryside
- On exiting transition head straight out of the main gate of the estate, turning left to start the bike route.
- Please be mindful this is a working estate and very occasionally vehicles may need to gain access – stay on the lefthand side on the estate road just in case. The estate is obviously aware of the triathlon taking place and we will have marshals at the road access points.
PLEASE REMEMBER WHICH EVENT YOU ARE DOING?
The bike route will be fully signed and marshalled (only) in key points. HOWEVER, it is your responsibility to STUDY the bike course, do not just follow the person in front of you. They may not be doing the event or a different distance
- On completion of your event distance bike leg, head for the transition area.
- Dismount safely just before the DISMOUNT LINE and then run/walk with your bike into transition and rack it in the same place you left from.
- Once your bike is racked, you are permitted to take off your helmet, change to your running gear and head out of transition and enjoy the run.
Dangerous cycling will not be tolerated – you have been warned!
Follow these links to view the bike course map & cue sheet.
- Middle Distance - 2 x Full Laps (figure of 8 is full lap) /1 x small lap. Feed station at 38/58km.
- There will be a feed station at 38/58km (near Belvoir Sawmill) – OTE Drinks bottles with blackcurrant energy drink and water.
- Please ride slowly up to the feed station and think safety, the feed station team will do their best to accommodate you – please be patient!
- We recommend you carry at least 2 x 500ml bottles on your bike and that you are fully hydrated before the start of the event.
- OTE 20% Discount code for all Belvoir Castle 2023 entrants – use code at check out: ES-OTE-20
- Please drop any litter in the bins provided in the designated littler drop zone. Your bottles – there will also be a designated area for you to drop your favourite empty bottles if needed. These can be collected at the registration area after the presentation.
- Previous middle distance competitors please note the change to last year’s course - straight on at Harston heading to Denton – see map and interactive link.
- Olympic Distance – 1 x Full Lap (figure of 8 is full lap) /1 x small lap
We recommend you carry at least 2 x 500ml bottles on your bike and that you are fully hydrated before the start of the event - being self-sufficient with your fuel & hydration….
Both the Middle & Olympic Distance routes are undulating or hilly depending on where you ride and what you are used to :) A few short hills with long flat straights offering good amount of time in Tri bars. A real good mix of everything and probably one of the best bike routes around - stunning countryside! Please be careful and abide by the highway code –always stay to the left-hand side of the road and ride sensibly downhill!
- Sprint Distance - 2 x Small Laps
- Super Sprint Distance – 1 x Small Lap
The Run – please ensure you study the route for your distance
- Your race number must be clearly visible on the FRONT of your outer clothing.
- Exit transition through the RUN OUT gate and join the run course, following the signs, coned areas.
- The run is traffic free and will go through paths & trails through the iconic estate grounds.
The Run route will be fully signed and marshalled in key points. HOWEVER it is your responsibility to be familiar with the Run course, do not just follow the person in front of you.
Follow the links to view the run courses:
- Middle Distance – 4 x 5km laps with an additional loop around the event village field to finish.
- Olympic Distance – 2 x 5km laps
- Middle & Olympic distance run courses will have food & drink stations at the 3.3km – top of the hill : OTE anytime bar, OTE energy gel, OTE blackcurrant energy drink. It is advisable to front load your food/hydration on the bike course, so you don’t have to consume too many foods/liquids on the run……
Belvoir Castle Triathlon 2023
- Please drop any litter in the bins provided in the designated littler drop zone – water stations. Sprint distance competitors will only have water stations on course at 3.3km. Please do not use the food & drink of the longer distance competitors – thank you
- Sprint Distance – 1 x 5km lap
- Sprint Distance – 1 x 2.5km Lap - turning point just before the bridge – so no hill for you!
- Please be mindful this is a working estate and very occasionally vehicles may need to gain access – stay on the lefthand side on the estate road just in case. The estate is obviously aware of the triathlon taking place and we will have marshals at the road access points.
Please respect the fact that all our brilliant volunteers/Marshall’s have given up their day so that you can race, and the event would not be possible without them, so please abide by their decision - they are there for everyone’s safety. Be Patient, Be Kind and think of others – Thank you
Aquabike Competitors
- Aquabike competitors start in usual waves from your estimated swim time.
- Your total time will finish when you cross over the ‘Bike In’ timing mat.
- After you have finished and racked your bike, please head towards the Finish Gantry and let the Marshals know that you have finished your Aquabike race and we’ll ensure you are given your well-deserved medal and take a Finish Photo by our professional photographers.
Aquathlon Competitors
- Aquathlon competitors will start after the triathlon & aqua bike competitors to ensure the run course marshals are all in position.
Team Relay Event – We need to see ALL BTF licenses when you register, please.
- Only one person from each team will be expected to register.
- Each team will receive 1 x swim hat, 2 race numbers (one for the cyclists back, one for the runner’s front), 2 x number stickers for the bike and helmet.
- The swimmer will run to transition area and handover the timing chip to the cyclist (standing next to the bike with their helmet on).
- The cyclist will then be able to un-rack the bike and make their way out of transition on the bike leg. On returning, the cyclist must first rack the bike and then hand over the timing chip to the runner (waiting next to bike rack)
- The runner will then complete their leg and finish at the finish line.
- There will be an opportunity for all team members to cross the line together - please look out for your runner and wait at the gap in the barriers near finish . Do not wait on the course until your runner is approaching and be mindful of other competitors – thank you. If your little ones want to run through the finish with you to make a more memorable finish – please wait at the gap in the barriers on the finish funnel
- Under 15’s can race completing the swim or run leg in a Team of 3. Swimmer minimum age is 11yrs & runner is 13yrs. Age on 31st Dec – Super Sprint Distance ONLY.
- Please note ALL under 16’s will need to complete a parental consent form BEFORE the event. Complete here
Belvoir Castle Triathlon 2023
Medical Support Located close to the finish and transition area
- Medical cover will be provided by the fantastic team at Ultra Medix
Litter Anyone found littering will be disqualified immediately and not invited back to any future event
- The dropping of gel wrappers and any other litter will not be tolerated at endorphinsport events.
- Please place in bins provided and take your litter with you. There will litter drop zones at every feed station.
- Prepare properly and before event day, think where you can stash your wrappers whilst competing and bins on course.
- Ensure you have hydrated/fuelled properly for the distance you are competing, on the morning and in the days leading up to the event
Club Gazebos –
- Please be mindful this is not a public park, respect the event venue and the event organisers, it is courtesy to ask the event organiser before you rock up with a club gazebo or two!
- We are more than happy for you to promote your club and have a designated area for you club, friends, and family to enjoy the event, but please ask first – thank you
- You need to ensure you speak with the event organiser before event day. You will be allocated a pitch and instructions on how you need to erect it safely - guy ropes and weights on each leg. Failure to comply will result in the gazebo being taken down.
- This is for the health & safety of everyone at the event including YOU.
Event Rules –
- The is a non-drafting event (Drafting Rules Explained) and will be run in accordance with the rules set out by the British Triathlon Federation. There will be 2 x moto Technical Officials patrolling the bike routes and plain clothes ‘event team’ driving the course throughout the morning - you have been warned!
- Littering or discourteous riding will not be tolerated in any shape of form, and any competitor found littering or riding discourteously to other competitors or road users will be instantly disqualified – No exceptions.
- We will aim to provide as many bins as possible on the course, so please hold your gel wrapper etc and discard appropriately.
- The courses for this event are through a beautiful part of the country and one complaint from a resident could see the permit for this event cancelled for future years. Please respect your beautiful countryside!
- Approved helmets and road worthy cycles are mandatory.
- All competitors will require third party insurance either via a BTF Day License or as part of the BTF Membership. Photographic ID is needed at registration - your BTF membership card. If you don’t have your 2023 licence or are not a member, then you’ll need to buy a day license from us for £6 cash. Most non BTF members will have purchased a day license of signing up to the event.
- If you need any more information on these please visit:
British Triathlon Code of Conduct for Competitors
Competition Rules
Safeguarding & Welfare
Results –
- Timing chips will be used on this event making it possible for you to view your time soon after crossing the finish line.
- Please hand your timing chip back soon after crossing the finish line. If you lose your chip, you will be charged£60!
- Results will be provided from Titanium Race Timing
- A full set of FINAL results will be available on www.endorphinsport.com the evening following the event.
- Any disputes or amendments must be made immediately via the race directors/referee ON THE DAY. Before the presentation.
Presentation/Prizes – 1, 2, 3 in each age group!
- The presentation for 1st, 2nd & 3rd Female & Open overall in each Race Distance will be awarded as soon as we have the results for the overalls.
- 1-3 in each age group Female & Open will be awarded when we have the 1-3 results
- Age Group Prizes are applicable to Races – Middle Distance Triathlon, Olympic and Sprint Triathlon ONLY. Unfortunately, numbers are currently still too low for to apply age group prizes for the Super Sprint, Aquathlons and Aquabikes – watch this space though, if entries increase and we can do it! You know we will!
- Fastest Team (team of 3) will be awarded with the relevant distance….
- Please stay for the Presentation and please check your time and age group position before the Presentation time. Trophies will not be posted.
- Exact timings of the presentation will be released over the PA so, please keep your ears open! Delays do happen - that’s life – enjoy the stunning surroundings!
- Any disputes or amendments must be made immediately via the Race Directors/Technical Official ON THE DAY.
****You may have won a prize and we are unable to send or arrange for these to be picked up after the event. IF YOU NEED TO LEAVE BEFORE THE PRESENTATION, PERHAPS ASK SOMEONE ELSE YOU KNOW TO COLLECT YOUR PRIZE ****
Photography
- Free downloads for entrants finish photos with the iconic castle in the back drop – supplied by Mick Hall
Photography
Balance bike race/fun run for toddlers
- If time permits, whilst waiting for the results and just a bit of fun to end the day of racing! ☺ a very short course on the finish straight – helpers/chaperones allowed but no excessive pushing – parents have been warned! This is all about enjoyment and seeing the next generation come through! ☺
- Please let us know at Registration if you’d like to enter your little one and will then announce on the commentary if we have enough time and mini athletes for a little race!
Helpers needed!
Please get in touch if you want to help for a free entry for you or family/friend. Helpers can volunteer to:
- Set up the day before
Belvoir Castle Triathlon 2023
- During the event
- After the event for a free entry for any endorphinsport event.
Volunteer form is on our website to register your interest and let us know how you’d like to help, timings and your preferred role etc.
Our brilliant volunteers and their help, whether competing or not, is always VERY much appreciated and these events do not happen without you - Thank you – you are amazing ��
Spectators –
- We have always been conscious of trying to make our events as spectator friendly as possible. Please encourage your friends and family to attend and enjoy your day together. This venue is brilliant for spectators allowing you to be up close to watch the swim, parts of the bike and most of the run – see links below.
- We feel privileged and very excited to put this Triathlon at this iconic estate back on the calendar. Please respect the estate, private areas, event organising team/volunteers and above all respect the competitors, keeping within spectator areas and using the designated crossing points - enjoy this glorious setting.
- Car parking - £5 per car All proceeds go to Headway Charity. Please ensure you have the correct cash/card on arrival.
- Our partners listed below will be provide delicious coffee, iced coffee, great food, and ice cream down at the Event Hub – close to the transition area. We also have a few deck chairs dotted around for to relax and enjoy the view!
- Cheer your family & friends on but please do not restrict competitor view and the course – thank you
Great Spectator Viewing Points below;
Swim Course (400m from event hub) - https://w3w.co/kings.hindering.refer
Bike Course (5-10min walk from event hub) - https://w3w.co/magma.riverbank.novelist
Run Course (2min from event hub) – https://w3w.co/suspended.nowadays.wires
Please note: the Super Sprint bike course is 1 lap, so it’s not worth making your way up to the bike viewing point for the Super Sprint - you will miss your competitor coming in transition and heading out for the run
- Please respect the helpers/marshals and one-way systems and barriers in place to ensure everyone’s safety.
Partners/Trade Stands
The Event Hub will be located very close to the transition area
Jaffa Sports providing quality branded sportswear and equipment
Peak Tri Store providing quality branded sportswear and equipment
For Every Adventure providing sustainable women’s multi-sport apparel
Café Allez The best tasting coffee/teas around!
The Gastropod will be providing their excellent renowned food!
Lulabelles Ice Cream and Horsebox Ice cream supplying luxury delicious ice cream over the weekend!
Purely Wood Fired Pizza - will be on site Friday/Saturday & Sunday. The first ever Wood Fired Pizza van in the UK!
Snow Paw Store providing all your Canicross needs & doggy retail therapy
Three Peaks Naturals a passion for sustainability and providing healthy 100% natural treats for dogs
Black Cat Veterinary Physiotherapist providing FREE pre/post event checks on your bestest buds for the canicross races.
Belvoir Castle Triathlon 2023
No Two Cycles Any last-minute bike tweaks and all day on race day for event support! Central Therapy Pre/Post-event sports therapy will be on hand all day on race day for sports massage, taping, injury assessment and advice. A complex 8.0 electrical stimulation device will be available for an alternative elite recovery method.
OTE are the events nutrition suppliers
Close by the event is also the estates engine yard that offers eateries & plenty of shops to visit.
Camping – We still a few pitches left
- Camping will be available on Friday (from 3pm) & Saturday evening. You can book your pitches direct from our website: Book Camping
- Hot Showers (campers only) and toilets are available
- Purely Wood Fired Pizza will be there Friday & Saturday before the event from ready to take your orders
- A separate email will be sent separately to all campers with instructions.
Further Information -
- Please check the website and Facebook page for all event information.
- Please note that will not be checking emails in the days prior to the event so visit www.endorphinsport.com and you can you find the information you need by reading the event details thoroughly!?
- Emails will be replied to on a priority basis in the weeks building build up to the event. If you cannot attend the event please read our Withdrawal Policy carefully.
Please understand that we will be busy in the weeks before the event - we like the great outdoors and are not glued to our phones/lap tops all the time!
Thank you for your
support
We would like to thank you all for your support, especially over the challenging last couple of years….. and all the fantastic marshals/volunteers, whom without these events would never happen, to all the family & staff at Belvoir Castle Estate and all those behind the scenes that made it possible to run this event. Please respect the fact that all Volunteers/Marshall’s have given up their day/weekend so that you can enjoy the event and would not be possible without them, so please abide by their decision - they are there for everyone’s safety and enjoyment.
Please, Be Patient, Be Kind and Think of Others – Thank you COMPETITORS – you are never too tired to say THANK YOU to our amazing helpers – lets here you on course please –THANK YOU
Thank you everyone for your work and support ensuring we all enjoy the event!
Hopefully see you again at our remaining 2023 events:
Take Care & Stay Active – all the family!
Rebecca & Dean Hughes Event DirectorsBelvoir Castle Triathlon 2023
Swim Maps
Bike Maps
Run Maps
