Rayleigh Aquathlon 5 April - Competitors information pack (adults and children)

 

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Thank you for entering the Rayleigh Aquathlon, we hope you enjoy the day. Please take some time to read through the following information.

 

Address               Sweyne Park School

Sir Walter Raleigh Drive

Rayleigh

Essex SS6 9BZ

 

Directions

From M25: Leave M25 at junction 29 heading East towards Southend on A127

Proceed for about 15 miles then leave at the junction for A130 (turn left onto the A1245 towards Wickford).

(From A12: Take A130 South – after about 12 miles, at the roundabout, turn left and straight across next roundabout onto A1245 towards Wickford)

 

Proceed for 1 mile then turn right at next roundabout into London road.

Proceed for 1 mile past traffic lights and pedestrian lights. After the pedestrian lights take the second left into Sir Walter Raleigh Drive (If you go past school playing fields you have gone too far).

Go round bend and turn into school grounds.

 

Registration

Adult registration will be from 10:45 – 11:30.

 

Children’s registration will be from 13:00 to 14:00 approximately; there may be a few minutes delay depending on the numbers taking part in the adult event.

 

You will be given your race number which must be fixed to the front of your top for the run leg (Race belts are permitted). Non BTF members will receive a BTF day membership; those with valid 2009 BTA/BTF membership cards will have the £2 day membership fee returned.

If you have paid for 2009 BTF membership and have yet to receive your card, bring along an email confirmation from the BTF confirming your membership.

 

Please ensure an emergency number is written on the back of your number. Also, if you suffer from any medical conditions, please ensure all relevant details are added to the back of your number.

 

 

Changing Facilities

There are changing facilities with showers for Men and Women; space is limited and there are no lockers.

 

Transition Area

This will be on the paved area immediately outside the swimming pool outer door. Please don’t set up your transition area in a place that will interfere with other competitors.

 

Briefing

There will be a compulsory race briefing held in the transition area (or canteen if raining) at 11:40 for the Adult race and around 14:10 for the children’s race.

 

 

The Swim -           

 

Adults

 

440 yards

22 lengths

Children

8 years

40 yards

2 lengths

 

9/10 years

160 yards

8 lengths

 

11/12 years

200 yards

10 lengths

 

13/14 years

320 yards

16 lengths

 

When entering the pool area please do so through the changing rooms; there is a separate door for leaving after the swim, please do not use this for entering the pool area or spectating (there are large windows available for watching the race from outside; please let through those who’s friends/relatives are actually swimming. PHOTOGRAPHY DURING THE EVENT IS PERMITTED BY THOSE WHO HAVE A PHOTOGRAPHY PERMIT (AVAILABLE AT THE REGISTRATION DESK). MARSHALS WILL MONITOR TO ENSURE PHOTOGRAPHY IS APPROPRIATE AND MAY REQUEST PEOPLE TO STOP IF THEY CONSIDER IT INAPROPRIATE OR NO PHOTO PERMIT IS ON DISPLAY.

 

Competitors will be called forward in numeric order (with exceptions for late replacements). The swim will be conducted two to a lane, each staying on one side of the lane for the whole swim. Competitors will be started as others leave the pool. The pool at the shallow end is about 80 cm deep so take care if tumble turning.

 

Exit the pool by the main door taking care. DO NOT RUN UNTIL OUTSIDE

 

The Run

 

Adults

 

5k

2 lap path, 1 lap field

Children

8 years

600 metres

1 lap

 

9/10 years

1200 metres

2 laps

 

11/12 years

1800 metres

3 laps

 

13/14 years

2400 metres

4 laps

 

 

The adult run will comprise two laps of an offroad path adjacent to Sweyne Park school and will finish with a run around the school field. Things to note:-

  • Building work at Sweyne Park means a slight change to the route and some sharp turns at the start and towards the end of the run with competitors coming in each direction; please take care particular  in this part of the route.
  • The path is a permissive route and special permission has been given by Rochford Council for this race to use it.
  • The path is open to the general public which may include horseriders, bikes, children, dog walkers and pushchairs so please take care.
  • It is a gravel/compacted earth path and so should be quite solid underfoot although there may be surface water in places so all types of running shoes should be okay although because there are about 300 yards of concrete to run on in the school grounds spikes may be unsuitable.

 

For Children the run will be entirely within Sweyne Park Grounds; after getting changed in the transition area head straight into the school playing field followed by laps of 600m. The finish will be located near the end of the final lap.

 

The Presentation

The presentations will take place in the registration area as soon as possible after the last competitor has finished. For the adult race this should be around 14:00, for the children’s race around 16:15.

 

Refreshments

There will be light refreshments available to competitors at the end of the race.

 

General

  • The event will be run under British Triathlon federation rules. These will be available in the registration area and can be found at www.britishtriathlon.org.  
  • Please note that all marshals are volunteers, friends and family of the organisers, who have given up their Sunday to allow the event to proceed (and who we hope will do so again in the future). Please treat them with respect and follow their instructions at all times. If you have any concerns or complaints, come and see the race director rather than the marshals themselves.

 

Useful Tips for Beginners

 

General

·         Your last meal should be two to three hours before your start time. A simple breakfast of cereal and toast is ideal (or a light mid morning snack for children).

·         You can do the whole event in your swimming kit, which means that you will only need to put on your shoes and T-shirt/vest to display your race numbers (boys/men – chests must be covered for the run).

·         Have a drink and eat something soon after completing the event. This will replace the energy you used and help you to recover quicker.

·         The marshals are there to help you, don't hesitate to ask them if there is anything you don't understand.

·         Equipment (suggested list) Swimming costume, goggles, t-shirt, shoes, shorts, socks, towel and warm clothing for afterwards.

 

Swimming

·         If using goggles, use a 'regular' pair, don't risk new goggles unless you're sure of the fit.

·         You will start in the pool; no diving will be allowed.

·         Do some stretching exercises beforehand to avoid strains later on.

·         Pace yourself.

 

Transition

·         The clock starts at the start of the swim and ends at the end of the run so fast transitions are important.

·         Don't spend too long getting dry, you will dry out quickly on the run.

·         Put a little talcum powder in your running shoes as this will make them easier to get wet feet into.

·         Instead of tying laces, consider getting lace locks to hold your laces tight. These are often found on anoraks or fleeces and can be bought in good hardware stores. Lacelocks holding elasticated laces are even better.

 

Running

·         Don't use new kit, stick with what you're familiar with.

·         Try to keep running - slow jogging is quicker than walking.

·         Pace yourself.

·         We can’t predict the weather, please bring suitable clothing for any condition.

 

Overall The most important thing, ENJOY YOURSELF