Bowood House Duathlon is organised by LPS Events and takes place in the stunning grounds of Bowood House and Gardens situated near Calne in Wiltshire.

Registration

The registration tent is outside of the Bowood House grounds so you head there before you even enter the grounds. You're given all the essentials - race numbers, timing chip, race belt etc - and then you head into the grounds where transition and the race take place. One of the biggest shames about this race is that all spectators must pay to enter the grounds and it isn't cheap at £12.50. Taking your parents along or your partner and a friend would set you back £25. This is clearly stated in all the event emails so it's not a surprise, it's just a little sneaky that you're not even allowed one free spectator per racer. 

The organisation is good but it's a very small event with no food or drink stalls and no entertainment. You can spend time enjoying the house and gardens, but there's not that much to do and on a very cold, rainy October day it's not the most enjoyable way to spend a few hours waiting for your wave to start. 

The Course

A duathlon is a run-bike-run event. Bowood offers a sprint and a super-sprint option for adults as well as 3 children's races from age 9-14. A super-sprint duathlon is a 2.5km run - 10km bike - 2.5km run and this consists of 1 lap for the runs and 4 laps for the bike at Bowood. A sprint duathlon is a 5km run - 20km bike - 5km run.

The run course is all off-road and had I realised I definitely would've worn trail shoes. The surfaces range from grass and mud to gravel paths and the autumn rain made it pretty slippy! The first half of the lap is all downhill which makes for a really fun set-off. You then run through the stunning grounds, past a cascade waterfall and temple and through a small forest. The route is absolutely stunning and it really takes your mind off the pain. The second half of the lap is very much uphill and can be tough on the legs if you're really pushing yourself. 

Before long, you're back to the cheering crowds and into transition. The atmosphere is great - although it's a small event, there are plenty of people to cheer you on and keep you going.

The bike route is all paved and is on closed roads around the grounds. It's quite a technical course with a hairpin bend and some muddy areas where you really need to kill your speed, but again it's beautifully picturesque, taking you past a field full of bleating sheep. You pass the cheering crowds 4 times and there is a professional photographer on one of the bends so plenty of opportunity to show off your bike handling skills!

Then it's back to transition for the final run which is the same lap again. This time you know where the tricky bits are and when to reserve your legs. The course is very unique and stunningly beautiful and makes for a wonderful day out.

Organisation

The race is organised well and the race director gives a very in-depth briefing, going through all the British Triathlon rules so that no one ends up getting disqualified. There are lovely medals for every finisher as well as a t-shirt. Goodie bags are provided by Sundried. There are lots of opportunities for photos and prizes for the winners. There are plenty of indoor toilets so no need to use a portaloo and it's very easy to get to your car at the end.

Overall, this is a great duathlon in a glorious location with a fun, technical, but interesting course.

Date: Sunday the 19th of February 2017

Location: Perry, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE28 0BX

Event Type and distance:

Sprint Duathlon:       5km run / 20km bike / 5km run  

Standard Duathlon:  10km run / 40km bike / 5km run

Amenities: Chip timing, camping, prizes, secure transition

Entry Price:

The Anglian Water Duathlons are two of the first of the season and give racers a chance to break out of the winter hibernation and get moving. The picturesque setting in Cambridgeshire attracts first-timers as well as those that have raced for national titles and Great Britain Age-Group qualification slots over the years.

This is a race for everyone and suited to all abilities. Whether you’re doing the sprint or the standard distance, you’ll race along the tracks around the lake and woodland and enjoy one of the most picturesque settings for a duathlon that you are ever likely to race on. Both run sections take place on hard compound tracks and feature steady climbs at the outset, which means you’ll be running downhill to the first transition and the finishing line. The bike course is along some of the smoothest roads. The long stretches will allow you to test your speed and the hill climbing will allow you to test your strength. 

Sundried provided all event competitors with goodie bags which include additional treats from trusted businesses.

Date: Sunday the 2nd of April 2017

Location: Hole Park, Rolvenden, Kent TN17 4JB 

Event Type and distance:

Super Duathlon - 10k Run - 32k Bike - 10k Run

Standard Duathlon - 10k Run - 20k Bike - 5k Run

Sprint  Duathlon - 5k Run - 13k Bike - 5k Run

Amenities:  Bespoke finisher's medal, goodie bag, chip timing, live results, post event nutrition and athlete area, changing areas, showers, on-site cafe,  free parking.

Entry Price: £33 - £58

The Hole Park Mountain Bike Duathlon is set within the beautiful award-winning gardens and grounds of Hole Park in Kent with views of the Weald and even as far reaching as Hastings. The run section takes in views of Hole Park orchards, while the mountain bike section crosses bridges and over fields with some testing sections to spark up the fun. This event is ideal for everyone from the beginner mountain bike duathlete to proven professionals.

Sundried will be at the event providing all competitors with goody bags with additional treats from our partners.