I have raced it a couple of times and the organization has been perfect. Roads are quiet,
and the road surface good. A cold beer at the finish was a welcome touch
and free photos of the event another nice bonus too!
FAQ's
What if I have entered and the 2026 event and I can't take part due to injury etc?
As with all of our previous events, if you are forced to cancel or postpone due to inury, then we will offer all entrants a 'credit' or 'deferral' for a future event, as and when it can be held...your entry will be carried over. Your entry can also be transferred to another person should you so wish at no charge, no problem. Note that this is entirely at the race organisors discretion and may require proof of injury.
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This event ethos has always been to be fun and as stress free as possible for all involved. This ethos is also being applied to the possibility of event cancelations and the deferral of entries to other races at a later date.
I've never taken part in a triathlon before, is this event suitable for me?
YES! The team or organisers have been very selective in the course distances and design to ensure it is suitable for all. The 'vibe' for the event is to encourage all abilities to have a go.
I have never competed in an open water swim before, will I be OK?
The swim loop will consist of short laps of 500-750m each. This was a deliberate decision to ensure that all swimmers are always within a reasonable proximity to the safety crew at all times. At the start of the swim you will be able to place yourself wherever you feel comfortable to ensure a stress free swim start, be it starting from the shore line, or in deeper water.
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You will be able to swim at the venue prior to all races as it is open to swimmers 4 days a week, so lots of time to practice beforehand if confidence is an issue.
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What temperature will the water be?
The lake itself is an old mature gravel pit which means clean, clear water which warms up quickly from late April. Historical data from many years swimming at the lake shows that the temperature will be somewhere between 14-26 degrees for all races. Please note that as this event is now being run under British Triathlon rules, their water temp regulations apply with regards to it being a wetsuit compulsory/wetsuit optional/non-wetsuit swim. This will be communicated to all athletes closer to the date and depends on the water temp.
How will we know our finishing time and position?
We will be teaming up with Eventrex, a local company that specialises in the electronic chip timing of duathlons and triathlons. Depending on the Covid restrictions in place at the time (if any?), we will either offer a big screen results service on the day or you will be emailed results direct immediately after the last competitor finishes.
Will there be feed stations on course?
Due to the nature of the course design, we will ensure there is a feed station with water at swim exit, bike exit and on the run course (depending on Covid restrictions in place at the time). There will be no feed stations on the bike lap as most athletes should be fine for 35km by carrying their own fluids/nutrition. This decision was made to reduce our environmental impact due to waste being left on the bike course.
Will there be first aid cover?
Yes. This is something we take very seriously and as such will be employing the services of an external, professional first aid team to cover the event. First aid response teams will be in place during the swim, bike and run portions of the event.
Can we enter the relay as a team of 2 rather than a team of 3?
Yes! We want people to come and participate so we are quite flexible on this. All we ask is that the relay team, whether that consists of 2 or 3 athletes simply swap over the timing chip in transition. So one person could swim and run, while another bikes...or the first person could swim and bike for example...we don't mind.
Will there be a medal or other rewards for entering?
Yes! We have a custom, unique medal for our races, based on the race logo of the Ox! Also...in the spirit of the event we offer all athletes a cold beer at the finish, 'full fat' or non alcoholic!
Are spectators welcome?
Indeed they are…we have lots of room around the swim start area, transition and the run lap…so lots of opportunity for your friends and family to see you during the event. It is also just a short 3min walk to the bike course.
Do you offer discounts a for a club that wishes to use it as a Championship event etc?
Yes we can. Depending on how many people you feel may be attending from your club we are happy to discuss a discounted price…as well as trying to accommodate you in the same wave, so you can race against each other.
Is it wave starts and how are they arranged?
We decided a couple of years ago as numbers grew that wave starts are required, to help spread the field and ensure safety etc. We arrange the waves in alphabetical order by surname. We get requests every year by athletes to change wave and we cannot accommodate this as it creates problems with our timing team and the results.