The Aquathlon will be on Sunday 15th October 2023 at Kings Leisure Centre, Moat Road, East Grinstead, RH19 3LN
Those of you who have completed it before will know it’s a small, friendly race which is perfect for dipping your toe into multi-sport fun but which also attracts some of the best of local sporting talent looking for one last race before the season ends and the clocks go back.
The race starts at 8am at Kings Centre East Grinstead, where competitors will complete 500m (20 laps) of the pool before heading off on a run round the historic sights of East Grinstead - stopping only to put on some trainers and maybe a t-shirt first!
Afterwards, we'll regroup at the leisure centre for a hot beverage, cake and the prize-giving ceremony.
Sounds like your cup of tea? Entry is the bargain price of £21 (plus £4 day license for non-BTF members) and is open to anyone aged 15 or over by 31st December 2023. In order for us to be able to prove compliance with insurance requirements, please could youth participants bring official identification which proves your date of birth.
Race Information
REGISTRATION
This takes place in the reception area of Kings Centre. Registration is open on Sunday from 6:30 –7:10am. Unfortunately, we cannot accept entries on race day.
SWIM
The swim is 20 lengths (500m) of the swimming pool. Our first swimmer starts at 7:30am and our last swimmer will leave the pool by 8:30am.
We ask you to estimate your swim time when you enter so that we can seed you. Slower swimmers will start first (giving you more time to complete your run). At the start of the race a marshal will direct you to a swim lane. Each lane will be marshalled, and the marshal will count your lengths. They will indicate to you when you have two lengths to go.
You can do front crawl or breast-stroke. For the safety of other swimmers backstroke and tumble-turns are not permitted.
You’ll be sharing your lane with another swimmer and we do aim to put similar abilities together. If you end up in a lane with a slower swimmer, please tap them gently but firmly on the feet to let them know you want to pass at the end of the length. It’s a good idea to do this twice to avoid doubt. If you end up in a lane with a faster swimmer and they tap your feet, please stop at the end of the lane to let them past.
TRANSITION
Transition is directly outside the pool exit. Prior to commencing your swim please leave your run equipment (shoes, race top, race number, sunglasses, woolly hat, etc) in transition.
WHAT TO WEAR
The ideal clothing is a Tri-suit. If you are going to do more than one event they are worth the investment. These are available online and at shops like Decathlon and price start around £40. They cover legs and upper body in a swim suitable fabric.
For those just dipping your toe, your normal swimsuit is fine for the swim. You can then add shorts and T-shirt as needed. Socks are annoying to put on wet feet, so try running without (before the race) to see if you can go without on race day.
RUN
The run comprises of two (2) loops of East Grinstead (5km). We have tried to find the flattest route possible through our town. However, there is 18m of climbing – this is found up Kings Street and Christopher Road. This is not a hill, just a slope…
FINISH
This is in front of the Pavilion area and your time will be taken manually when you cross the finish line.
PRESENTATION
The presentation for the race will take place soon after the last competitor has finished and marshals have checked results, just before 9:30am. Full details will be included here once they are confirmed.
There will be medals for all competitors and trophies for 1st Open and Female Seniors, 1st Open and Female Veterans and 1st and 2nd Youth finishers.
RESULTS
There will be 48 hours for any queries to be lodged before the final results being posted to British Triathlon. Any queries should be directed to aquathlon@egtri.com
