FAQ's2012 Triathlon and Duathlon – Hope and Homes for Children

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Home > Race Information > Faq's

Where does the event take place?
Is parking provided?
How much sponsorship do I need to raise?
Why do I need to give an estimated swim time for the triathlon?
Why do I need to give an estimated run time for the duathlon?
What time does the triathlon start?
What time does the duathlon start?
Why do I need to arrive an hour before my start time?
Do I need a swimming hat?
Where does the swim take place?
Do I need to bring my own bike?
Do I need a helmet?
What happens in transition?
Will my bike be safe in transition?
Does the normal Highway Code apply for the bike course?
What are the cycle and run routes like?
Can I listen to music on the run or cycle?
How will my time be recorded?
Is there any medical assistance available?
Will refreshments be provided during the event?
Will complimentary refreshments be provided after the event?
Will there be a presentation after the event?
What time will the presentation start?
Are there any prizes?
What do I do if I can no longer take part?
How long are the bike and run routes?
Why are you charging for registration?

Where does the event take place?
Nuffield Health Fitness & Wellbeing Centre
Highfield Park Drive
St Albans
Hertfordshire
AL4 0AH

Is parking provided?
Yes. We will post details on the website of where you should park one month before the event.

How much sponsorship do I need to raise?
We ask all competitors who enter the duathlon or triathlon to raise at least £485 but understand that this is not always possible. In these circumstances we ask that you try your hardest to raise as close to the £485 target as you are able. Please don't be too daunted by it, it's amazing how it all adds up and we are on hand to help you every step of the way. Your sponsorship will be used to help vulnerable children across Central and Eastern Europe and Africa.

Why do I need to give an estimated swim time for the triathlon?
As there are over 200 competitors completing the triathlon we need to split the swim into waves. We need your estimated swim time so that we can put you in the right wave with competitors of a similar swim standard. As a guide, the average swim time for the event is 10 minutes 30 seconds.

Why do I need to give an estimated run time for the duathlon?
As there maybe a large number of competitors completing the duathlon we may need to split the run start times into waves. Therefore we need your estimated run time so that we can put you in the right wave with competitors of a similar running standard. As a guide, the average run time for 5km is around 30 minutes

What time does the triathlon start?
The first triathlon participants will begin at 7am. Exact start times are different for each competitor and are dependent on your estimated time for the 400m swim. Details of your exact start time will be posted on the website one month before the event. All competitors need to arrive one hour before their assigned start time.

What time does the duathlon start?
The first duathlon participants will begin at around 7.45am. The exact start time will be posted on the website one month before the event. All competitors need to arrive one hour before their assigned start time.

Why do I need to arrive an hour before my start time?
You need to arrive at least an hour before you are set to start to allow time to register, collect and set up your equipment, rack your bike in transition, attend a race briefing and get changed and ready for the swim.

Do I need a swimming hat?
No. A swimming hat will be provided.

Where does the swim take place?
The swim is in a 25m indoor swimming pool at Nuffield Health Fitness & Wellbeing Centre.

Do I need to bring my own bike?
Yes. All competitors must provide their own bike for both the triathlon and duathlon.

Do I need a helmet?
Yes. All competitors for both the triathlon and duathlon must wear a helmet for the bike ride and it must be fastened on your head before you mount your bike. When choosing your helmet ensure that it fits comfortably and firmly on you head when the chinstrap is fastened. Failure to wear a helmet will mean disqualification from the event.

What happens in transition?
Unlike other triathlons and duathlons, these races include deadzones between disciplines. This means that competitors have time between each leg of the race to allow them to get changed and ready for the next discipline.

Triathlon
For the triathlon you have a maximum of 20 minutes for the swim to bike transition and 15 minutes for the bike to run transition. These times will be deducted from your overall time. If you exceed these limits, any extra time will be added to your overall time.

Duathlon
For the duathlon you have a maximum of 15 minutes for the run to bike and bike to run transition. These times will be deducted from your overall time. If you exceed these limits, any extra time will be added to your overall time.

Will my bike be safe in transition?
Yes. The transition area will be marshalled until around 11am when the race finishes, and only competitors can enter the transition area. However, please note we cannot take full responsibility for items left in transition.

Does the normal Highway Code apply for the bike course?
Yes, you must fully comply with and follow all the rules of the Highway Code.

What are the cycle and run routes like?
The cycle and run both take place on the country roads around St Albans and there is a hill in the middle of the cycle route. Maps of the routes will be posted on the website in due course.

Can I listen to music on the run or cycle?
No, unfortunately not. British Triathlon rules state that any equipment that acts as an impediment to hearing or concentration is prohibited from use during an event (including transition). This includes MP3 players, personal stereos, mobile phones and other such equipment.

How will my time be recorded?
We use timing chips to record competitors’ start and finish times for each discipline. You will be given a timing chip when you register on the day. The timing chips should be worn around your left ankle from the start of the event until crossing the finish line (including during the swim on the triathlon). Your times are recorded by crossing over the large ‘timing mats’ which will be placed at the start and finish of each discipline (there won’t be one at the start of the swim on the triathlon). How to wear and use your timing chip will be fully explained at your race briefing as will the exact position of each mat you must cross over.

Is there any medical assistance available?
Yes. St John’s Ambulance will attend the event.

Will refreshments be provided during the event?
Liquid refreshments will be provided in the transition area.

Will complimentary refreshments be provided after the event?
Yes. A lunch of sandwiches and soup will be available from 9.30am at Sir Francis Bacon School, which is only a few hundred metres from the Nuffield Health Fitness & Wellbeing Centre. The walking route to the school will be clearly signposted.

Sir Francis Bacon School
Drakes Drive
St Albans
AL1 5AR

Will there be a presentation after the event?
Yes. This will also be held at Sir Francis Bacon School. There will be a short talk on the work of Hope and Homes for Children and the impact that your fundraising has made. Then the prizes will be presented.

What time will the presentation start?
The presentation will start at approximately 11.30am.

Are there any prizes?
Yes. Different prizes will be awarded for competing participants.

What do I do if I can no longer take part?
Spaces are limited for both events, therefore if you can no longer take part please can you let David James know as soon as possible on 01722 790111 or David.James@hopeandhomes.org so that a replacement may be found.

How long are the bike and run routes?
For both events the cycle route is 21km and the run route is 5km

Why are you charging for registration?
To ensure the maximum amount goes to towards transforming children's lives we have decided to charge a small registration fee to cover the costs of each entry.