Kielder Reiver Triathlon

Overview

Returning for a 2nd year after an amazing debut in 2015 this Middle Distance event returns with a new Standard Distance option to the truly awesome setting at Kielder Water & Forest Park where you can experience racing on a grander scale. The views are bigger, the sky brighter, and the sports wilder. The Park is home to the biggest man-made lake in Northern Europe with a 27 mile shoreline and, at over 250 square miles, the largest working forest in England. Both distances are based at Leaplish Waterside Park which boasts panoramic views of the reservoir, and facilities include the visitor centre, The Boat Inn, Birds of Prey Centre, the Osprey Ferry, Miniature Golf, Childrens Activity Centre, Fishing and Pleasure Boat Hire, access to the Lakeside Way, and more! With a full range of accommodation options available why not make a weekend of it - you can choose from camping and caravanning or B&B right upto Luxury Lodges, for more information go to http://www.visitkielder.com/stay. For the really hardcore athletes Vital Events also host a Swimming event in Kielder Water on Saturday 17th September - further details are available here: http://www.vitalevents.co.uk/events/kielder-water-swim Those successfully finishing both events will not only receive a finishers medal from each event they will also receive an exclusive and rather unique 3rd medal at the prize winners presentation to celebrate their feat! The Kielder Reiver Triathlon swim course is a 1.2 mile for the Middle (and 1.5k for the Standard) loop with a deep water start in the bay in front of Leaplish where the water can reach upto 180 feet deep – the route will loop around the marker buoys and swimmers will exit at the slipway before taking a left into the transition area. The 57 mile Middle Distance bike course is where participants will make a Border Reiver style raid into rugged border country, with over 5000ft of climbing this undulating route will require true Reivers spirit. Initially heading north out of Leaplish passed Kielder Village and across the border into Scotland, the route then heads towards Saughtree and heads out on a loop to Bonchester Bridge and around in the direction of Newcastleton before headng back to Saughtree and returning back into England and passing by Kielder Village once again where your legs will be thankful of the descent back towards Leaplish with some incredible views of Kielder Water on your left. The 40k Standard Distance route will enjoy the same border raid into Scotland but will immediately return after crossing the border. The 2 lap Middle Distance run (single lap for the Standard) follows a 10km loop which exits transition in a southerly direction and follows the Lakeside Way before heading up and over Bull Crag and around the Peninsula before returning to Lakeside Way along the shoreline with some stunning scenery as runners head back to Leaplish and then out for a final lap if your body is still willing! (n.b. the run route follows well established pathways/trails and although undulating is of a non-technical nature and does not require specialist fell running shoes). At the finish there will be professional race announcers to encourage the crowd and create plenty of atmosphere to welcome you home and congratulate you on becoming a Reiverman! Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Male and Female overall. Age group prizes will be awarded to the 1st Male and Female for each category. All entrants will receive a custom designed technical T shirt - finishers will also receive a bespoke Kielder Reiver Triathlon 2016 medal and goody bag.