FAQ's
Need help?
If you are new to multi-sports events or unsure about anything then take a look at our FAQ's below. We have divided the information into two sections - one for Stradbroke Triathlon and the other for our events at High Lodge.
Stradbroke Triathlon
High Lodge Events
Absolutely! If you want to have fun and achieve something this is for you. You don’t need to be ‘superfit’ or excel at all the elements of the event... or in fact any of them!
Top Tip: If you are embarking on this as a challenge to get fit or you have any worries at all about your health it is always wise to consult your GP or other appropriate health professional.
Not at all!
As long as you have some suitable swimwear and other clothes for cycling or running in then you are covered for triathlons and duathlons. You don't need things like an expensive bike either, you just need one that is mechanically sound and safe to ride. You will need a helmet however for any event that includes a bike leg.
Top Tip: Get your bike checked over at your local bike shop before the event to make sure everything is working well and it's safe to ride.
More experienced competitors will use a one or two piece tri suit. However if it's your first triathlon there's no need to spend extra money on special clothing.
Most people new to the sport tend to use their regular swimming kit for their first triathlon and simply pull shorts and t-shirt over the top in transition before getting on the bike. Ladies may find it useful to wear a crop top underneath a swimming costume for support, and to make life easy a lightweight pair of cycling shorts under their costume for the swim too. It’s easy then to add a t-shirt in transition.
Top Tip: Make sure you bring a waterproof top in case it's wet on the day and also some warm clothing for afterwards.
Yes for triathlons, although it’s not as bad as it sounds! You will not be able to enter transition via the changing rooms and you are not allowed to get naked in transition! However you will be able to put extra layers over the top of whatever you completed the swim in during transition.
Top Tip: You can place a small towel on the floor in transition to help dry your feet - take your time and make sure you have got everything you need before the next leg of the triathlon.
In our events you will usually start at one side of the pool and swim up and down that lane before dipping under the lane rope. You will repeat this and gradually work your way across the pool until you reach the end and the exit to transition.
You don't need to be a super-fast swimmer. We normally start each person at 30 second intervals with the fastest swimmers going off first to minimise any chance of people getting overtaken by another competitor.
Top Tip: When you enter a pool-based triathlon make sure you provide a reasonably accurate swim time, and if you need to update before the big day then please let us know at least two weeks beforehand so we allocate you the appropriate start time.
No, we don't apply cut off times to our events as long as you are still able to move forwards and complete the course safely. However if poor light or a change in weather becomes a safety factor and we need to stop you before the finish then we may do so for your own well-being.
Top Tip: It is wise to have at least a rear light on your bike in case of poor weather or deteriorating light conditions.
There are lots of rules, but registration. pre-race information and race briefings will cover the key things you need to know.
Top Tip: Make sure you attend the race briefing to get any last minute instructions or updates.
Drafting relates to the bike section of the event and means you are gaining an advantage by being close enough to another competitor to be sucked along in their slipstream. This event is non-drafting and breaches of this rule can result in a significant time penalty of disqualification for the event - basically you shouldn't be close enough to chat with another competitor for more than a second or two as you pass them or vice-versa. More information on this rule can be found in the Triathlon England Rules and will be covered in the race briefing.
Top Tip: Before the event get used to riding by yourself and practise holding a pace you can sustain for the bike leg that still allows you to run!
Triathlons events are fun and very socialable so feel free to bring all your friends and family along. You can register together, set up in transition and arrange to meet for well earned refreshments after the event. You won’t be able to race side by side however as most races are 'non-drafting' events.
Top Tip: Do you own thing and share the experience before and after with friends and family!
You don't need to do a huge volume of training to complete a super-sprint triathlon or other multi-sport event, but some preparation is good idea.
Try to get a few regular swim, bike and/or run sessions leading up to the event.
If you have a background in one of the three sports within the event you are going to do perhaps work a little more on the other elements before the event.
It's a good idea to practise transitions too as this is often an area people find more difficult as they are not used to moving from one discipline to another.
Top Tip: Work on your weaknesses!
Multi-sport events are great fun and provide a different kind of challenge to a single sport activity.
These events are intended to be beginner-friendly and therefore suitable for most people.
We've kept the distances relatively short and some of the events are for teams, so you can share the work!
Top Tip: If you are embarking on this as a challenge to get fit or you have any worries at all about your health it is always wise to consult your GP or other appropriate health professional.
No! However we would suggest you participate in some regular activity before event day.
The distances are relatively short and some are team events, but doing a little preparation will give you confidence and make your experience all the better for it!
The events at High Lodge all use off-road routes. Whilst the trails are well maintained and of low difficulty level, you need a mountain, hybrid, cross or gravel bike.
Bike hire is also available on-site by BikeArt if needed.
Top Tip: Make sure your bike is well maintained and safe to ride!
Yes - For insurance reasons competitors need to wear a helmet during the bike leg for all of our events.
You don't need any special clothing for these events. If you have one you can wear a trisuit, however a pair of shorts and a T-shirt is fine too.
Depending on the weather conditions you might want a long sleeve top and long bottoms. It's best to have layers you can put on or remove as needed.
Top Tip: It's worth having a waterproof in case the weather changes suddenly and have some warm clothes to put on afterwards as you will cool down quickly.
Events are run following British Triathlon rules and regulations. However the events are High Lodge are intended to be relaxed and beginner-friendly. We will outline any key things you need to know on the day at the pre-event briefing.
The main things to be aware of are: -
- You must wear your race number on the front for any run section and on the back for any bike section of an event.
- You must wear your helmet for the duration of the bike leg in any event. You must put your helmet on before touching your bike and not take it off before you have placed your bike back in transition.
- Littering is not allowed - We want to keep the forest clean and tidy!
- Follow any instructions from marshals/event officials and be courteous to other competitors and members of the public who might be on site.
There is plenty of on-site car parking at High Lodge.
We have arranged for a special parking rate for competitors of £5.00 for the whole day for all events at this location. Why not come along to an event and then enjoy the some of the other great activities on offer at High Lodge!
For Go-Tri Duathlon and the Fun-Bike-Run Series you don't need to be a member of British Triathlon or buy a Day Membership.
If you participate in larger events such as Stradbroke Triathlon or Junior Aquathlon you will need to be a member of British Triathlon or pay for the Day Membership.
For the Go-Tri duathlon series you can earn a series medal by participating in 4 or more of the events.
For the Fun-Bike-Run series there will be medals or or other awards for all finishers at each event.
We are not offering prizes for being the fastest or Age Group awards for these events.
Get in contact with us if you have any further questions!
Top Tip: Whichever events you are entering enjoy yourself!
If you still haven't found the answer you are looking for then please let us know either by using the Contact Us page or by email to info@canbuttri.co.uk