From Leeds, Yorkshire (Aquathlon), to Leeds Castle, Kent (Sprint Triathlon), the Triathlon England - National Championship season passes the halfway mark in stunning surroundings this weekend.
The beautiful grounds of Leeds Castle in Kent are all set to host the Triathlon England - National Sprint Distance Triathlon Championships this coming Saturday, 25th June. 'The Loveliest Castle in the World' should provide a suitable setting to the latest of the six 2016 season Triathlon England Championships, in what has been a very busy start to the year. With the Duathlon (Stockton), Standard Distance Triathlon (Grafham Water) and Aquathlon (Roundhay Park, Leeds) events already completed, only the Club Relays (Nottingham, 27th/28th August) and Middle Distance Triathlon (Vitruvian, 10th September), are set to follow this weekend’s Sprint Distance Triathlon Championship on the Triathlon England 2016 schedule.
The Sprint distance at Leeds Castle will be held over distances of 750m swim, 26km cycle and 5km run.
The race starts with a swim in the moat, right by the Castle before the bike leg, which is a primarily out-and-back course outside of the Leeds Castle grounds on the A20. The 5km run course takes athlete around the Upper Parkland over a mixture of terrains, mostly grass with a small amount of tarmac paths. Athletes will be welcomed at the finish line with a specially commissioned medal and a goody bag. Sussex Sport Photography will be on hand all day to capture race images.
Spectators visiting Leeds Castle to watch the event are advised to book a special entry ticket in advance. This also includes a day ticket for the extensive grounds, maze, falconry demonstration and play areas. These special tickets are valid for entry before 10am. The ticket does not include entrance to the Castle. More details plus booking information are available here.
Racing on Saturday starts from 7:30am, with six wave starts through to the Male over 40’s, which enters the water at 8:15am. Athlete are reminded that registration is expected to very busy on Saturday morning, and so you are advised to take advantage of the Friday evening registration times (5pm-7pm) if you are able too. Saturday morning registration will be open from 5am to 7am.
The event is being hosted by Leeds Castle in partnership with Ocean Lake Triathlon, a local club based at Leybourne Lake Country Park and Simon Langton School in Canterbury.
Event website: triathlon.leeds-castle.com
Venue: Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Kent ME17 1RG
