The location for the race is to be split between Alnwick and Bamburgh Castles. Bamburgh staging the race start, swim section and transition from swim to bike. Alnwick Castle and Gardens would then host the transition from bike to run then the run section and race finish. Bamburgh Castle provides the perfect backdrop for the start and swim as well as an imposing feature to transition which will be on Castle Green. Alnwick Castle and Gardens has a host of attractions to entertain families/supporters in the time when competitors are out on the bike and run course, yet still keep them focused around the race venue to ensure a great atmosphere for athletes. By staging the run within the Castle and Gardens the atmosphere will be bolstered by the additional numbers who would already be visiting the Gardens that day.

The race start will be on the beach at Bamburgh Castle.

 

 

Swim

 

The 1500m swim will start on the beach at Bamburgh and competitors will enter and exit the water at this point. It is anticipated that a Northumbria Piper will lead the athletes from the gathering point at Castle Green down to the water. The swim route will then be a 2 lap course around buoys which will mark out a route (measured by GPS) of 1.5km. A 2 lap route has been decided upon both for spectator atmosphere and safety (if athletes are finding it difficult after 750m then they can pull out or be stopped by an official if they are judged to be unfit to continue). At the end of lap 1 the athletes will exit the water onto the beach and run around a flag and the Northumbrian Piper and run back into the water to complete lap 2.
At the end of lap 2 competitors will run up the beach and dunes, around the side of the castle and into transition on Castle Green.
(enter google earth video of swim to T1 here)

 

 

Transition

T1.

 

T1: The transition from swim to bike (T1) is on Castle Green behind the castle and the exit from transition is out onto the B1340 Links road towards Seahouses.

There will be a bag system in operation. This will provide competitors with a T1 bag. The competitor will use this bag to put any clothing which they would like to be transported back to Alnwick. Race organisers with then transport all T1 bags to Alnwick transition for collection. This ensures that there is no need for competitors to have to return to the start area unless they need to collect their vehicle (if this is required we will have a shuttle service in operation).  

 

 

Bike

The 42k bike leg will be a direct route from Bamburgh to Alnwick via the coastal route through Beadnell, Embleton, Alnmouth, Hipsburn, Lesbury then on to Alnwick Gardens entering T2. The route is not on closed roads. However, almost all of the turns on the course are left hand turns. The course will be marked out with signs and marshals will be present at turning points.

 

Here is an overview of the bike profile. If you require more informaiton please use this link Bike Profile

T2.

 

 
T2 will be at Alnwick Gardens in the easy access car park. This transition is where competitors will rack their bikes and make the transition from bike to run. Also at this point there will be an area where athletes collect their T1 bag.

 

 

Run

The 10k run route will then take place in the Castle grounds and alongside the river. This will keep the race within a smaller area and provide a fantastic arena for the run to unfold. Spectators will be able to see the competitors for a large percentage of the run leg of the race. From the competitors point of view they will pass their supporters frequently and coupled with the fact that the Gardens would expect to see 3000 visitors on a normal day in August the numbers of spectators will be at a level to make for a fantastic atmosphere to be enjoyed by competitors and spectators alike.

 

 

Finish

The race finish will also be placed in the castle grounds and be easily viewing for all spectators.