Two top triathletes are set to renew a rivalry that ran in 2015, at The Bastion iron-distance triathlon on the 10^th July 2016 at Hever Castle in Kent.

British professional Karl Alexander has signed up to race alongside Australian professional and the defending champion Darren Jenkins, to contest one of the ultimate fitness challenges in the UK – The Bastion – a triathlon made up of a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42km run in and around the historic Hever Castle Estate and surrounding area of outstanding beauty.

In 2015 it was Darren Jenkins who came away with the spoils after he made up over 12 minutes of deficit after the swim and the bike portion and executed a crushing run performance to win by over 23 minutes. A suffering Alexander would cross the line in 2nd, ruing what could have been if his body had carried him over the marathon. Now they are set to do battle again, with Alexander determined that Jenkins will not run off with the title again.

The Bastion is one of the biggest triathlon challenges in the UK and is now even bigger, with three new events added to event for 2016, including the extremely popular Gauntlet race.

Whilst The Bastion challenge remains the ultimate long-distance experience in the UK, it will be joined on the triathlon calendar by the now bi-annual Gauntlet Half-Iron Triathlon (already one of the most popular long distance events in its September edition), the Hever Long Swims and the Hever Long Aquabike. The aquabike and open water swim events providing the definitive long course supported training experience, as well as being competitive races in their own right, with all the atmosphere of a major triathlon running at the same time.

The unique swim has been hailed by some competitors who have visited Hever Castle triathlon before as ‘the best open water swim ever experienced’. The 3.8km swim course leaves from the Italianate loggia taking competitors down the length of the main lake before passing the Japanese tea house and heading into the scenic river section. The swim section is partnered with Speedo.

The 180km three loop bike course represents arguably the toughest iron-distance route on offer in the UK, with around 2,000 metres of ascent covering ‘areas of outstanding beauty’ in the High Weald of Kent before passing through Hartfield and over the Ashdown Forest.

The four lap run route is mainly an off road trail marathon run. It circumnavigates the two stunning estates of Hever and Chiddingstone Castles before an iconic finish in-front of the Hever Castle drawbridge that once gave passage to King Henry VIII into one of his Royal homes.

All the events, including The Bastion iron-distance triathlon, are now open for entry with an early bird 10% discount, with race places limited for 2016.  Enter here.

Or find out more information here: http://www.castletriathlonseries.co.uk/races/the-bastion-full-iron-distance/

 

 

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.

The Castle Triathlon Series are proud that our official charity partner is the NSPCC, please help raise funds to fight for every childhood.

ENDS

For further information or if you or a colleague would like a media place in the race please contact:

E: Yvonne@castletriathlonseries

T: 01892 870681

The Bastion is part of the Castle Triathlon Series, festival events for all levels from a 7 year old, to a 70 year old, a first timer to the elite at five beautiful castles around Europe.

Pro triathlete and Eastbourne resident, Yvette Grice, has put her name down for the inaugural triathlon in her hometown set for the 12th June 2016.

The Eastbourne Triathlon event, which takes place from the Western Lawns on the historic seafront, consists of a 600 metre sea swim, 25 kilometre cycle through the South Downs National Park, before finishing with a 5 kilometre run and a glorious promenade finish and is a new major sporting event for the Sussex town. Grice, who has won major national and international events including Ironman UK (2010), Challenge Henley (2011) and many more besides, is set to start the race as the women’s favourite for the 2016 title.

Yvette Grice said:

“I wouldn’t miss my hometown race for the world and it will be a real pleasure to be able to compete from home and thank all the local clubs, friends and businesses who support me internationally. Triathlon is a fantastic and accessible sport and I hope lots of people will join me on the 12th of June, either to take part or spectate and support the athletes and the event”

Richard Campbell, Race Director, said:

“It’s great that a professional athlete of Yvette’s calibre has chosen to take part and support, her local event. The Eastbourne Triathlon has the potential to be one of the best triathlons in the UK and the town and venue is a fantastic hub of multisport activity. It is estimated that the event will contribute £70,000 to the local economy and we are very excited to develop it in partnership with the local council and bring another quality sporting event to the town. It will be brilliant to see Yvette race in her hometown and she is a great ambassador of the sport and this is a real opportunity for local triathletes and kids, to come and see her in action”.

Yvette Grice is not the only professional athlete who has chosen to race the Eastbourne Triathlon and she will be pushed to beat world-class Brit Jacqui Slack, who is a former British Champion and has won 9 XTERRA World Cup races. The pair will also be joined on the startline by pro mountain biker Euan Adams, and another Eastbourne junior talent in Luke Howard.

Enter the Eastbourne Triathlon today

The Eastbourne Triathlon has been re-launched in 2016 and is being organised by the Eastbourne-based sports marketing, PR and events company, Beyond Sport Marketing. Already tipped to be one of the ‘hottest triathlons in 2016’, the Eastbourne Triathlon promises to be an unmissable event whether you are a first timer or seasoned professional. As well as the triathlon, there are also options for competitors to enter an Aquabike event or a SUP (stand-up paddle board) triathlon. The event is supporting the Eastbourne Voluntary Lifeguards.

All competitors will receive an event t-shirt and memento, with prizes on offer for the top 3. The Eastbourne Triathlon will also offer a £1,000 prize purse should the event attract 300 or more entries.

You can find out more and enter the Eastbourne Triathlon online at www.eastbournetriathlon.com

The event is supported by Visit Eastbourne, Beyond Sport Marketing, The Event Team, The Friday Ad Group, The Tri Store, Handswork, Brighton Bike Fit, Brighton Film School, Neptune SUP, The Grand Eastbourne and ZigZag Alive. The Eastbourne Triathlon supports the Eastbourne Voluntary Lifeguards and Rockinghorse – the fundraising arm for the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital.

It is the final flagship race of the Castle Triathlon Series and a jam-packed, televised weekend with competitors of all ages and abilities signed up to take part in one of the biggest multisport events in the UK. Triathlon returns for the 7th annual Hever Castle Triathlon weekend over the 26th and 27th September, ready to write another historic chapter at the former home of King Henry VIII.

Fittingly for its 7th edition, the number 7 features prominently throughout the event – starting with a record breaking number of entries currently standing at 7,000. The youngest competitor lining up in the world’s biggest kids race is 7, whilst the oldest competitor is 77.

The stunning venue, located in the heart of Kent, welcomes competitors from across the UK and internationally in a series of distances and challenges (including the biggest children’s triathlon in the world). Its position at the end of the busy triathlon calendar and the final stop on the Castle Triathlon Series means that there is a party-like festival atmosphere as triathletes sign off their season with PB’s, new distances achieved or sporting success shared with their friends of families. The atmosphere is boosted by 500 camping through the weekend and lots of entertainment including bands, climbing walls, archery, trade stands, fun fair and pleasure rides.

The event attracts some of the best triathletes in Britain who are set to race hard and fast for their share of the trophies and prize money. Up for grabs this year is a prize fund of £8k that stands at £2,000 for the standard distance race, whilst those triumphing in the toughest challenge of the day, the half-iron Gauntlet race, will also take home their share of £2,000. Further prizes are given for Series winners.

Favourites for The Gauntlet 2015 titles

The Gauntlet at Hever Castle is the biggest test in the Castle Triathlon Series. The half-iron distance triathlon takes competitors into the rolling hills of the Kent Weald and through an ‘area of outstanding beauty’. Triathletes who took on the 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21km run last year unequivocally reviewed it as one of the ‘must-do’ events in the UK and attracted to the challenge, the field has grown once again this year from 200 in 2013 to now over 850 – making it one of the most popular in the country.

Spearheading the men’s field will be the intriguing re-match between Darren Jenkins (Bastion 2015 champion) and Karl Alexander (Hever Castle Gauntlet 2013 champion). These two had an awesome battle at Hever Castle earlier this year over the iron-distance Bastion Triathlon in July, with Jenkins emerging on top with his fearsome run proving the decisive factor. Now set to battle it out again over the middle distance, will Jenkins once again have the upper hand, or will the shorter distance suit Alexander who will have less run course to cover before the finish line comes. These questions and more will all be answered over the race.

Jenkins and Alexander won’t have it all their own way as there is talent throughout the field, not least in the form of XTERRA professional Matt Dewis, Irish Middle Distance champion Kevin Thornton and talented racer Will Cowan – who can all challenge for the podium and have the class to win.

British and Scottish Middle Distance Champion Nikki Bartlett is in the field and is the clear favourite for the women’s title at Hever Castle Gauntlet Triathlon.

Also in the field is Pete Dyson, Andy Dyson, Max Hazell, Ben Matthews, Colin Norris, Ben Pritchard and Neil Tandy. The women’s race will feature Bex Milnes and Kim Morrison.

Olympic distance speedsters

Whilst the Gauntlet represents a test of speed over distance at Hever Castle Triathlon, the speed kings and queens will take on the Olympic distance triathlon, which comprises of the shorter (but no less testing) distances of 1.5km swim, 40km bike and 10km run. Competing for these titles will be elite athletes including Liam Lloyd, Phil Edgley, James Fearn, Calum Johnson, William Kirk and Scott Thompson.

The women’s race looks particularly exciting, with Catherine Jameson headlining the field. Jameson is a fearsome competitor on the Castle Triathlon Series circuit and has picked up wins at Chateau du Chantilly, Castle Howard and Cholmondeley already this year. Jameson is such a fan of the Hever Castle Triathlon that she has published her top ten reasons to do the race here.

Hever Castle would complete the set. However, a challenge will come from another former Hever Castle Champion, Vicky Johnston and also from the reigning European Aquathlon Champion Hannah Kitchen.

Hever Castle – the ‘must-do British race’

In just six years the Hever Castle Triathlon has swiftly established itself as an essential destination for British and international triathletes, garnering plaudits and mainstream media attention for its picture postcard venue, elite action, age-group choice and festival atmosphere. There are no fewer than 14 race choices on offer making it one of the biggest events in the UK.

To cement the race’s title as the world’s largest children’s triathlon, over 1,600 junior athletes are expected to take part.

The races will begin with an amended and unique open-water swim in the spectacular 38 acre Hever Castle Lake and River Eden. This creates an incredible spectacle that is rewarding for both the athletes and the spectators who can see one of the most exciting parts of the race up-close. Competitors in The Gauntlet will take on a single 1.9km lap whilst those racing in the Olympic distance will take on (for the first time) a single 1.5km lap.

Those taking part will then transition onto the undulating cycle that takes athletes around a 20km circuit through the High Weald of Kent, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with one lap for the Sprint and two laps for the Olympic-distance racers. Those on The Gauntlet will be on a specially designed 2-lap course. The largely off-road run circumnavigates the estate and award-winning castle grounds before making the dash to the tree-lined finishing chute beside the lake.

Fun for spectators too

This year there is even more planned for friends, family and all the supporters at the Hever Castle Triathlon Triathlon, with a variety of live music, family games and of course a brilliant atmosphere for all. Relax in the grounds of one of the most famous castles in England and enjoy the action unfold!

Last minute entries still available

Entry to all the races being held at the Hever Castle Triathlon are still open for last minute entry but you have to move quick as entry will be closing soon. You can enter the Hever Castle Triathlon Triathlon via the website: http://www.castletriathlonseries.co.uk/the-series/hever-castle/

You can view a video of last year’s event here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VE4wvSAsrc

Trading Places

The Castle Triathlon Series offers a trading places scheme for anyone who volunteers as a marshal or works as part of the race team, whereby a free race is given in return for a day’s marshalling at any one of the Castle Triathlon Series events. You can register to volunteer here: http://www.castletriathlonseries.co.uk/take-part/volunteers

– Ends –

For further information or if you or a colleague would like a media place in the race please contact:
E: [email protected]
T: 01892 870681
Hever Castle Triathlon is part of the Castle Triathlon Series, festival events for all levels from a 7 year old, to a 70 year old, a first timer to the elite at five beautiful castles around Europe.

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

More than 50 of the world’s fastest off-roaders from 16 countries are headed to Vachery Estate in Cranleigh, Surrey, to compete for the XTERRA European Championship on August 30 2015

Read More›

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

 

New triathlon champions were crowned at Hever Castle in the second edition of the iron-distance Bastion event (12^th July 2015). Professional triathlete Darren Jenkins was the first to cover the huge 3.8km swim, 180km bike and 42.2km run; storming the final discipline to take overall victory with a time of 10:01:15 from second place Karl Alexander. The women’s race was won in dominant fashion by professional triathlete Bethan Fowler, who led from start to finish with a time of 12:04:19.

Whilst the impressively fast times were being set by the professionals in the field, much of what made The Bastion special was the stories of incredible physical feats by the other athletes taking part in what has been heralded ‘the toughest UK iron distance triathlon’ by many.

Whilst most would consider doing one iron-distance triathlon a life-time achievement, Anthony Gerundini hit the incredible milestone of completing 100 iron-distance triathlons at The Bastion. Having completed the feat he commented afterwards:

“I’d forgotten how good this event was having done it last year. It is truly stunning. There are so many marshals we are spoilt and the Castle Triathlon Series really look after us. The bike course is a dream.”

Race winner Darren Jenkins said:

“I’ve done 20 Ironmans around the world and that is the toughest course I’ve done anywhere. You get a great personal experience here, you are not ‘just a number’. How many other events have this stunning castle backdrop?”

Second placed Karl Alexander said:

“I went off well and was first off the bike but kudos to Darren, he was the best on the day.  This was the toughest event I’ve ever done. If you’re going to do one, make it this one, it has serious bragging rights.”

Elsewhere Scott Mitchell would complete The Bastion in aid of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and raised an amazing £5,000 for the charity. Two other competitors chose to raise money for the NSPCC – the official charity of the Castle Triathlon Series.

Peter Dry returned to compete at The Bastion after finishing here in 2014 and was once again the oldest competitor at 63. He would go on to shave over one hour from his previous time.

Despite its reputation as tough, half the fields were first timers at the distance – perhaps drawn by the friendly reputation and athlete care package that the Castle Triathlon Series offer. Over 50% of competitors were first timers, with one entrant entering The Bastion as his first ever triathlon, whilst 8 returned having competed last year.

The Bastion proved a draw internationally with athletes travelling from as far afield as Norway, Portugal, Belgium and Australia.

The full results were:

The Bastion iron-distance triathlon – 12^th July 2015

 

	Male	Female
1.	Darren Jenkins 10:01:15	Bethan Fowler 12:04:19
2.	Karl Alexander 10:24:50	Ruth Thompson 13:48:22
3.	Matthew Dowle 10:45:35	Louise Clinton 15:50:11

 

The 3.8km swim started the long day at the Italianate loggia, 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.

Athletes were 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 from VO2 and more. The presence of the Dream Team TV crew added to the sense of atmosphere and occasion.

The Bastion Triathlon is set to return to Hever Castle on the 10^th July 2016 as one of the biggest iron-distance triathlons in the UK. Pre-registration is open now for those who want to have the first opportunity to enter the event before it goes on general sale.

 

ENDS

 

 

For further information or if you or a colleague would like a media place in the race please contact:

E: [email protected]

 

T: 01892 870681 / M: 07790 001959

 

Notes to editors:

 

The Bastion is part of the Castle Triathlon Series, festival events for all levels from a 7 year old, to a

70 year old, a first timer to the elite at five beautiful castles around Europe.

 

– Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon 24th May 2015

– Cholmondeley Castle Triathlon 28th June 2015

– The Bastion at Hever Castle 12th July 2015

– Castle Howard Triathlon 25th and 26th July 2015

– Château de Chantilly Triathlon 29th and 30th August 2015

– Hever Castle Triathlon 26th and 27th September 2015