Bristol Downs, Bristol - Duathlon

Completed

Saturday 04^th June 2011 - 

Although set on the edge of the city, the Downs feels like open countryside, with their wide views of the Avon Gorge, the Severn estuary and across to south Wales. The Downs are one of Bristol's most historic and popular open spaces, used for sport, wildlife spotting and healthy exercise by residents throughout Bristol.

This event is held on closed roads, so no cars to worry about!

Novice Distance: Run/Walk 2.5km – Bike 10km – Walk/Run 2.5k
Challenge Yourself Distance: Run/Walk 5km – Bike 20km – Walk/Run 5km                   Scheduled start time: 8.30am

Entry Closing Date: 27/05/2011
Novice Distance Entry Fee: £33.00
Challenge Distance Entry Fee: £37.00

GETTING THERE

                            
Bristol Downs

Circular Road

Bristol

BS91NG

 

By Road

Bristol is approx 2 hours from London.  

 

By Rail

The nearest railway station is Clifton Downs Station, approx 2 miles from the event

PARKING

There is plenty of parking available on site just follow the signs to the event car park. Please show your race number to the parking steward on arrival. Please remove your car from the event car park at the end of the event, if your car is left here any longer, it will be parked illegally. There will be lots of parking available to move to if you wish to stay longer.

 

 

ARRIVAL & REGISTERING

 

Registration desk will be open from 6.45am until 8.00am. On arrival please follow signs towards the registration area, where you can register and get any further information for the day. Your event numbers will be posted out to you approximately 2 weeks before. It is a good idea to write your name and any allergies on the reverse of your number. Attach your number to the front your shirt securely with 4 safety pins. You will also receive 2 stickers with your number on, one is for the front of your bike helmet and one for the front of your handlebars.  Please only rack your bike in the transition area once you have registered, you will not be allowed to enter without your number. Marshals will be here to secure this fenced off area, but your belongings are left here at your own risk. Please make a mental note of where you have racked your bike in the morning, as there will be lots of other bikes that look like yours! Please allow yourself some time to familiarise yourself with the layout and the bike and run entry and exit points (also see map attached). Don’t worry we will be there to help you!

 

PRE RACE BRIEFING

 

Please could all participants be ready for the briefing at 8.15am. This will be very helpful for you to understand how everything will work throughout the event, it is very important that you are present for this as we will go through routes, safety details and any changes.

 

 

START TIMES

 

The first group is starting at 8.30am and each group will be set off in waves of approximately 3 mins between each. You will be informed of your start time at registration. Please make sure you are ready and in position for your start.

 

RUN/WALK ROUTE

 

Each wave will begin at the start line. You will take a flat grass route around the downs,  all traffic free. There will be marshals all along route, so there will not be any confusion!

 

 

TRANSITION RUN/WALK – BIKE

 

Marshals and cones will direct you into the transition area from your run following the ‘RUN IN’ signs. Please take care as this may be a busy area. Put your helmet on before you take your bike off the rack, walk/jog with your bike towards the ‘BIKE OUT’ sign, until reach the point where you will be informed you can mount your bike and begin cycling. Do not get on your bike until you reach the ‘BIKE MOUNT’ sign!  Please take care and pay attention to where you are going. Take extra care when starting off, being very mindful of other cyclists around you.

 

 

BIKE ROUTE

 

Only mount your bike at the designated point, as directed by the marshals and the ‘BIKE MOUNT’ sign. This can be a busy area, so please do not rush. Marshals will be there to assist you where possible, so please obey their instructions. Please slow down when turning into junctions.  The bike route takes place around the downs. Turning left out of transition you will head along Circular Road and onto Ladies Mile until you reach the end turn around point.  Coming back along the same route passing transition, continue up to the turn around point. You will repeat this twice for the Novice distance and four times for the Challenge distance. On your final lap you must go around the turnaround point first and head back into transition on you left.  Here you will dismount and walk/jog back to transition. Every participant must wear a cycle helmet, NO HELMET MEANS NO CYCLING. Bikes should never be ridden in the transition area. Only follow the marked course and direction of the marshals. We suggest that you carry water on your bike if you have a bottle holder.

 

 TRANSITION BIKE – RUN/WALK

 

You must get off your bike at the dismount point. You will be directed into transition area by marshals, signs and cones, where you will rack your bike and helmet back in the same place. Proceed towards the ‘RUN OUT’ sign and back out for your last lap of the same run route.

 

FINISH

 

On completion of your last lap of the run, you will be guided to the finish line to collect your well earned medal, goody bag and much needed water.

 

 

COLLECTION OF EQUIPMENT

 

When collecting your kit from transition, please consider those who are still participating, always give them right of way. You will only be able to enter the fenced off transition area with your official race number on you. 

 

SPECTATORS

 

It is a great motivator for you to have friends and family attend the event with you. Bristol Downs  is a great place to spend a Saturday morning. We would kindly ask spectators not to walk along the bike or run route whilst the event is taking place, as this route needs to be kept as clear and safe for our women as possible. The best area for spectators is around transition and start/finish, where you can catch as lot of the action. The downs are great place to relax and cheer on the runners and cyclists.

 

FACILITIES

 

Bristol Downs is a great place for relaxation, exploration and of course Sheactive Every Woman’s Duathlon. The Downs are on the edge of the city and are very popular, With views of the Avon Gorge, Leigh woods, the Severn estuary and across to South Wales it feels like the open countryside.

Toilets
Toilet facilities are available just across from transition and porto loos next to transition for participants only.


Accommodation

There is a vast range of accommodation available within the area and within the immediate surroundings the Downs. The Bristol website has a searchable list of lots of places to stay.
Check out http://visitbristol.co.uk/site/where-to-stay

 

Medical Team & Marshals

 

St Johns Ambulance will be situated at the registration point, and are there for you should you need them. 
We have a team of marshals who are here to help and guide you through the day. Please respect them and always follow their directions. They are there to assist you where possible, so please obey their instructions. If you are bringing family or friends to the event, and they would like to help out, please let us know. We are always looking for volunteers to help out with all aspects of the day.

 

EVENT DAY CHECKLIST

 

Directions to Bristol Downs
Kit Bag
Warm Clothing
Drink Bottle for bike
Toilet Paper
Sun Cream
Vaseline (to prevent chafing)
Comfortable shorts/trousers
Comfortable t-shirt/top
Bike
Bike Helmet (you cannot take part without this)
Sunglasses
Socks
Footwear
Cap
Towel
Watch
Picnic Lunch

 

 

 

Event Rules & Safety

Please write your name and any blood group and any allergies, medical conditions on the back of your event numbers.

Always abide by the Highway Code and keep to the left on the bike route

 

NEVER CYCLE SIDE BY SIDE, UNLESS OVERTAKING

Entry fee is non refundable.

All bikes must be road worthy.

Every participant must wear a cycle helmet, NO HELMET MEANS NO CYCLING.

Participants are responsible for your own equipment.

Marshals are there to assist you where possible, they will not be able to stop cars, so please obey their instructions.

Music or use of mobile phones is NOT permitted whilst participating (unless emergency).

First Aid is provided by St. Johns Ambulance.

Participants only are allowed within the transition area.

Bikes should never be ridden in the transition area.

Please ensure you are familiar with the entire course. Map and directions are attached

Only follow the marked course and direction of the marshals.

Only mount your bike at the designated point, as directed by the marshals.

We suggest that you carry water on your bike if you have a bottle holder.

Please report any accidents to the registration point and of course St Johns is there to help you if needed.