Category: Triathlon
Event name: Isle of Man Triathlon Championships (late August/early September each year)
Event location: Ramsey, Isle of Man Event distance: 1.5K Swim, 40K bike 10K run
Terrain: This is a fabulous event for beginners. The swim takes place in a sea filled lake, at this time of year the lake is lovely and warm (about 20 degrees) it’s also shallow so, you can put your feet down if needed. The bike takes in the undulating roads of the north of the Isle of Man, there is one short but steep hill towards the beginning of the lap. Each lap is 20k long. The race is run on open roads but most of them are VERY quite. The run is pan flat and takes place in the very pretty Mooragh Park and is run on tarmac roads. If you don’t fancy a full triathlon there is also a sprint triathlon that takes place at the same time on the same route but each of the distances are halved. If you fancy a team trip away to the island there is also a team event at both sprint and Olympic distance with each member of the team completing one element of the triathlon.
Would you say the event was good value for money? This was my first Olympic distance triathlon and I paid £30 to enter. When you enter you are asked to provide the name of a marshal but if you are struggling to find one and you are travelling to the island to take part, contact the lovely people at Manx triathlon Club and they will try to sort one out for you. The race is super, super friendly it’s well signed and well marshalled throughout. There are prizes for the top 3 in each event as well as some spot prizes but if you like medals and t-shirts I’m afraid you are going to be disappointed as there aren’t any!
What tips would you give to others before they take on this event? Signing on for the event takes place the night before, you cannot sign on on the day of the race. You can ask someone to collect your timing chip etc for you. Manx tri club are very helpful simply contact them if you have any issues. Parking takes place on the promenade or in the rugby club next to the park. Depending on entries the parking can get tricky so, arrive early. Early arrival will also allow you to scout out transition, the bike mount and dismount lines and the run route. It will also allow you sometime to chat to local competitors to get some top tips on the race!
Would you take part in this event again? This is my local event and I would take part in it again. The route is great, the people are lovely, the support is always good and surroundings are beautiful.
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