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The race will be run on the same basis as last year and cater for novices as well as experienced swimmers, please read the following guidelines if you are interested in taking part.
Please note, at the moment this is provisional and subject to change.
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What is it?
An aquathlon, sometimes called aquathon and incorrectly referred to as a biathlon, is a swim followed by a run.
The Trent Park Aquathlon is intended to be fun and an introduction to multi-disciplined sport for members. It will be organised as a race and there will be winners but even if you finish last and it is your first event you will be a winner.
We will use the pool adjacent to the Middlesex University main building in the centre of the park. The pool is 25 yards long and swim distances will be in multiples of 50 yards - 2 lengths. The pool is not heated but even allowing for the English summer it will be warm enough for the relatively short distances we shall be swimming. We will also ensure that there will be little or no waiting around in the water - when you get in you will start swimming within 15 seconds, more on this later.
Please note, the pool is 2 meters deep at one end so whilst the race caters for novice swimmers you must be able to swim at least 8 lengths (adults) or 4 lengths (juniors). We will have a lifeguard in attendance but want to keep him or her dry!
The Aquathlon will be divided into two main sections each having two sub-sections.
The Junior race will be split into age groups, under 12 and under 16. The adult race will be split into a novice and a sprint group.
The race distances will be as follows (these may alter slightly):
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Each group will complete the swim before the next group starts, this will avoid any conflict between fast and slow swimmers.
The adult race will not start until all juniors have completed the entire race, this means that you will be available to help marshal the junior race and take part in one of the adult races.
The adult run will follow the normal anti-clockwise Handicap route but will deviate slightly to include the loop to and from the pool, it will still be 5Km.
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How does it work?
The race starts when you are told to start the swim and ends when you cross the run finish line. Your time includes the time you take to get out of the pool and put on your running shoes, running top or anything else you chose to do until you finish the run. Many races are won and lost in the section between the swim and run, known as transition.
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There will be a transition area reserved for you to set out your running shoes and other items. Note for security purposes and to ensure transition is kept clear this area is reserved for race participants and the parents of juniors only, if you are not taking part please do not enter transition.
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Swimmers will be started at 30 seconds intervals and there will be a maximum of 5 people in each lane. The pool will be divided down the centre to create two wide lanes - you should have no difficulty overtaking or being overtaken.
The swim direction will be clockwise in one lane and anti-clockwise in the other, this means that both lanes will travel in the same direction down the centre of the pool.
The pool has no facility for lane ropes but markers will be set out, please make sure you keep to the correct side of the pool when you turn - it will be clearly marked.
Pool entry and exit is via steps along the shallow end of the pool, please keep to the edge of the pool when exiting the swim.
There will be a junior and adult transition area just outside the pool area.
Your swim time will be recorded as you leave the swim area. Your number will be marked on your hand, please call out your number as you pas the timing desk.
If we have enough timekeepers we will also record your time as you start the run.
The junior run will be slightly shorter than last year and will keep within the university grounds to avoid crossing roads, it will be fully marshalled.
The adult run will join the Handicap route about half way down the road that leads from the club house to the top cottages known as the concrete road. It will leave the Handicap route by heading straight on into the university grounds instead of turning right at the end of the "pineapple". The turn point at the far end will be adjusted to make the run 5K.
Adult and junior times will be taken at the end of the run.
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How did I do?
Unlike other races the first home may not be the winner as each person has a different start time. The winner of each group will be the person with the fastest overall time, last year's results will be available for you to compare your times - but do not forget - if this is your first event of this kind - you will also be a winner.
It does mean that the results are a little more complicated but we should have the results within 30 minutes of the final person finishing the run.
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How do I enter?
Because we do not know how many people will take part in each group and start times need to be allocated you must register for the aquathlon at least seven days before the race - please ensure your entry is returned by Saturday 4th July.
Entry forms are available to download here, please complete all the information accurately to enable us to allocate you in to the correct group and start time.
Entry is free to all TPRC club members.
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