The Hever Castle Gauntlet is a captivating half iron distance triathlon event held at the picturesque Hever Castle in Kent, UK. This challenging multisport competition combines a 1.9 km swim, a 90 km bike ride, and a 21 km run, offering participants a truly unforgettable experience amidst the stunning backdrop of the historic castle and its surrounding estate.
Event Details
The Hever Castle Triathlon weekend takes place on Saturday, 28th September, and Sunday, 29th September 2024. The event is hosted at the iconic Hever Castle, a magnificent 13th-century castle nestled in the heart of the Kent countryside.
The Gauntlet Half Iron Distance consists of the following:
| Discipline | Distance |
|---|---|
| Swim | 1.9 km in the Lake and River Eden |
| Cycle | 90 km through the High Weald of Kent and Ashdown Forest |
| Run | 21 km, largely off-road, circumnavigating the Estate and Castle grounds |
Event Features
The Hever Castle Triathlon weekend is more than just a triathlon event; it’s a true festival of endurance sports. In addition to the Gauntlet Half Iron Distance, the event features a variety of other multisport competitions, including triathlon, duathlon, aquabike, aquathlon, swim, and run races for participants of all ages and abilities.
The event boasts a lively festival atmosphere, with live music, shopping, food and drink, children’s entertainment, yoga, and more in the festival village. It’s a family-friendly affair, with a dedicated family campsite available for tents and caravans within the castle grounds, starting at £30 per pitch.
Photographers are strategically positioned around the course, the finish line, and the event village to capture participants in action, ensuring that every moment of the event is immortalized.
Logistics
The first triathlon waves start at 8:00 am on both Saturday and Sunday, with the event continuing throughout the day. Visitors should not arrive before 10:30 am when the gates will open.
Parking is available, but details on parking fees and arrangements are not specified. The event also provides toilets, changing areas, and other amenities, though the quality and availability of these facilities are not explicitly stated.
Registration and Cost
Registration details and fees for the Hever Castle Gauntlet are not specified on the event website. However, participants can book their spot through the Castle Race Series website and take advantage of a payment plan to split the cost over 3 months.
Ratings and Reviews
The Hever Castle Triathlon event has an impressive overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 867 reviews on Racecheck. Participants praise the event’s organization, the supporting staff, and the ease of navigating the course. Some reviewers have noted issues with water quality in the past, but these seem to be isolated incidents.
Conclusion
The Hever Castle Gauntlet is a must-attend event for any triathlon enthusiast seeking a challenging and picturesque half iron distance experience. With its stunning castle backdrop, festival atmosphere, and well-organized logistics, this event promises an unforgettable weekend of endurance sports and adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned triathlete or a newcomer to the sport, the Hever Castle Gauntlet is sure to leave a lasting impression.
References
- https://www.castleraceseries.com/disciplines/triathlon/
- https://racecheck.com/races/hever-castle-triathlon-series/
- https://www.castleraceseries.com/events/hever-castle/
- https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/whats-on/festival-of-endurance/
- https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/whats-on/hever-castle-triathlon/