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.