One of the biggest triathlon challenges in the UK is now open for general entry and long course athletes should get set to enter quickly as The Bastion is one of the hottest races on the mass participation sporting calendar.

The Bastion iron-distance triathlon 2016 is once again set to take place from the iconic backdrop of Hever Castle in Kent and is now open for entry, with 25% off (just £270) for those who enter early.

The Bastion will take place on the 10th July 2016.

About the course

The Bastion offers one of the most iconic challenges on the UK triathlon calendar. Over the last 2 years, competitors have come from across the UK and the world to take on a challenging course with a stunning backdrop.

The 3.8km unique swim at the Italianate loggia in Hever Castle starts the day, taking competitors down the length of the main lake before passing the Japanese teahouse and heading into a scenic, river section.

The 180km three-loop bike course represents arguably the toughest iron-distance route on offer in the UK with around 2,800 metres of ascent covering ‘areas of outstanding beauty’ in the High Weald area of Kent, before passing through Hartfield and over the Ashdown Forest.

The marathon covers a four lap run route mainly an off road trail run, circumnavigating the two stunning estates of Hever Castle and Chiddingstone Castle before an iconic finish in front of the Hever Castle drawbridge that once gave passage to King Henry VIII.
An amazing, unforgettable experience Athletes are treated to an amazing event village to top off the whole experience, with live bands playing throughout the day, a climbing wall, archery, catering, bike support and more.

You’ll cross the finish line in front of Hever Castle with a wonderful medal, T-shirt and memories that will last a
lifetime.

Last year’s event was won by pro triathletes Darren Jenkins and Bethan Fowler, whilst behind them came hundreds of amateur triathletes with their own stories of courage and endeavour. Amongst them was Anthony Gerundini, who was completing his 100th iron-distance triathlon, whilst many had chosen The Bastion as their first time at attempting what many consider the ‘toughest one-day physical challenge’ in the world – drawn by the amazing athlete support and welcoming atmosphere present at all Castle Triathlon Series races.

In addition to the iron-distance triathlon, the event will also run concurrently a long distance aquabike and open water swim events – providing the ultimate long course supported training experience with all the atmosphere of a major triathlon running at the same time.

Enter here for another amazing Bastion Triathlon at Hever Castle on the 10th July 2015.

Previous winners:

2014: Fraser Cartmell, Alice Hector
2015: Darren Jenkins, Bethan Fowler

– See more at: http://beyondgoinglong.co.uk/?p=6068#sthash.RDOcDtYu.dpuf

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The beautiful seaside town of Eastbourne, East Sussex is set for a new triathlon event that will take place annually from the 12^th June 2016. Athletes of all abilities and experience can sign up to take on the 600m swim, 25 kilometre cycle and 5km run challenge that starts and finishes on the iconic promenade at Western Lawns, with the historic pier serving as a backdrop in one direction and the South Downs National Park in the other.

In addition to the triathlon events, an Aquabike (swim/run) and SUP Triathlon (stand up paddle board) will also be held at the same venue.

The event is organised by Eastbourne-based events and marketing company, Beyond Sport Marketing, in association with Eastbourne Borough Council, Visit Eastbourne and the nominated Community Partners for 2016, the Eastbourne Voluntary Lifeguards.

Race Director and Managing Director of Beyond Sport Marketing, Richard Campbell, said:

“The sport of triathlon and other multi-sport disciplines continue to surge in popularity. There is a tremendous level of excitement generated by these events in the UK, especially post-Olympics, with the wonderful legacy and memories from London Locally Eastbourne has one of the largest triathlon and multi-sport clubs in the UK (Team Bodyworks XTC), international champions in Yvette Grice, Joe Townsend, Faye McClelland and Todd Leckie plus a host of fantastic local businesses that support and are supported by triathletes.

As a town already blessed with notable sports events such as the the Aegon International tennis festival, the Beachy Head Marathon, the Eastbourne Half Marathon, the Eastbourne Cycling Festival and Eastbourne Extreme, a professionally organised and exciting triathlon can only add to the list of attractions bringing visitors to the town, as well as giving local triathletes the chance to compete in an event on their doorstep, or offer an opportunity to those who have never done a triathlon before the chance to take part in a locally organised one”.

Competitors who enter the inaugural event will be treated to a fabulous course that takes in all the natural beauty of the surrounding area and promenade.

The Eastbourne Triathlon begins with a 600m swim in the sea, before the competitors head off for a challenging ride that includes going through East Dean, Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters (part of the South Downs National Park and an area of outstanding beauty) before returning to the prom for a flat and friendly final 5km cycle along the seafront and back to the Western Lawns for the final run stage. The run will take competitors back up to the South Downs National Park and a challenging climb up the South Downs Way opposite St Bedes School before turning round to be greeted by stunning views of the town and a flat final few kilometres on the way to a glorious finish at the Western Lawns on Eastbourne’s promenade.

The Eastbourne Triathlon is supported by Beyond Sport Marketing, Visit Eastbourne, Eastbourne Voluntary Lifeguards, The Event Team, Triathlon England and Brighton Film School.

General entries are now open and you can enter and find out more at www.eastbournetriathlon.com