FAQ

Answers to the most common questions can be found below, however if you would like to ask a more specific question please email site@nhstriathlon.co.uk and one of our team will respond as soon as possible (usually within a few hours but please allow up to 48 hours).

What date is it?
Event 1 is October 1st 2023
Dates for Event 2 and 3 will be posted once confirmed with the venue

Where is the event taking place
The race will be centred around Turton Sports Centre Bolton

What distances is the event
Event 1 is 400m swim – 5k run
Event 2 is 600m swim – 8k run
Event 3 is 800m swim – 10k run

How much does it cost to enter?
Relay pairs entry is £36 (£18 per person).
Solo entry is £30

We are offering an early bird entry discount for people entering before 1st August. This reduces the cost of solo entry to £25 costs just £35 and relay pairs to £30.00

entry includes online entry, results, insurance, specially  commissioned finishers medal. A booking fee of £2.00 is payable to the administrators of the booking system

What time does the event start?
The first swimmers will set off at 2pm. Swim start times will be available on the website in advance of the event.

What do I need to wear?
Swimmers- goggles are advisable and normal swimming kit is fine.
Runners- normal running gear is fine.

Where will the swim take place?
The swim will take place at Turton sports centre

How many lengths of a pool is 400 metres?
16 lengths of a standard 25 metre swimming pool.

Are you allowed to dive in to the pool?
No, it is a shallow end start so no diving is permitted. You will start in the water.

I can’t swim front crawl, is breaststroke OK?
Yes, any stroke is fine apart from backstroke.

Are you allowed to do Backstroke during the swim?
No, only front crawl and breaststroke are permitted during the swim.

What happens if someone catches up with you in the pool?
If you are caught, please let the swimmer behind pass you when you reach the end of your length.

Are you allowed to do tumble turns during the swim?
Yes, the pool is deep enough at both ends to allow tumble turns.

Is there somewhere to leave my shoes/a t-shirt on poolside so I don’t have to run barefooted/just in my swim suit to my bike?
No.  There is only a short run from the pool exit into the transition area.

At what point will I be timed during my swim?
Your time will be taken a couple of seconds after you get out of the pool when you pass the swim timing mat which will be located near to the exit door of the pool.

Is the time I take in transition included in my overall time?
Yes, your time will start from when you push off from the side of the pool for your swim and finish when you cross the finish line, all the time you take in-between is counted in your overall time.

What is a transition area?
The transition area is where you leave your bike, cycling and running kit and the place that you will run to in order to change from the swim section of the event to the cycling stage.

The transition area will be securely managed by our race crew meaning your bikes will be safe when you are not using them, and only athletes will be allowed in this area.

How do I find the person in my team to hand over the relay timing chip?
Relay teams will hand over the wrist band at the exit to the pool

How far is 5km in miles?
3.1miles- this can take anything between 15 minutes to around 50 minutes to complete as a run.

Is the run course hilly?
The run course is mostly flat with one off road climb at the 3.5k mark

How do I train for the event?
Specific training plans for each section of the triathlon can be found here.

What do I get if I win?
The winning teams in each category will receive a trophy, as will the fastest individual entrants in each category.

When will the results be produced?
The provisional results will be available soon after the final person has finished in each race (Relay and Individual)

Where will the presentation be held?
tbc

Is the race chip timed?
No

Will the results be on the website?
Yes, a link to the results will be uploaded to the website soon after the last finisher has crossed the line.

Can I use the shower facilities at the Leisure Centre?
Yes, there are shower facilities available which you are able to use.

Are there drinks stations?
There will be drinks available on the run route and at the finish line.

More generic Q&A’s concerning your first triathlon can be found here