Whinlatter Off Road Duathlon Event Preview
Created On: 03 November 2011
The third edition of the Whinlatter Off Road Duathlon is
scheduled to take place on Sunday 13th November, 2011. Details of a
new course have just been announced and should provide a thrill for
duathletes and an off-season focus for triathletes. Based in this
spectacular mountain forest location in the beautiful surroundings
of the Northern Lake District the event is quickly establishing
itself as one of the UK's toughest off road duathlons.
Incorporating over 1200m of ascent into the 6.5k/18k/5.5k course
this new route will be equally as challenging as previous editions.
Starting on the South side of the forest, the initial 6.5k trail
run will utilise the fantastic network of trails on offer, with the
addition of a few short sections of rough terrain over 'natural'
obstacles. The 18k mountain bike route incorporates both the full
Quercus and Altura South mountain bike trails With the addition of
some tough sections on forest tracks. This is slightly less
technical than previously but no less exhillarating as the route
climbs to over 500m giving some
spectacular views of Grizedale Pike, Skiddaw, Blencathra and
Derwent Water before a flowing singletrack descent back into the
forest. The final 5.5k run is no less demanding, climbing some
sinuous trails to the summit of Seat How before a well earned
descent back to the finish at Cyclewise.
Last year's race was won by Borrowdale fell runner Nick Fish after
a close fought battle with the Keswick Bike duo Chris Hope and
Andrew Wrigley. International mountain runner Victoria
Wilkinson from Bingley Harriers won the female category, finishing
an incredible 8th overall. However, it's not just for the elite as
the event is suitable for all abilities, whether you are new to
multisport or simply looking for a challenging event in a stunning
location. Don't be misled by the relatively short distances as Paul
Titley from Keswick summed it up nicely, "The Whinlatter Duathlon
was my 377th event and is amongst various marathons etc. one of the
hardest I can recall."
The event also includes a relay category for pairs where one person
cycles and the other runs. This is open for male, female &
mixed teams and is ideal for specialist runners/cyclists or
beginners who would like to test themselves over a single
discipline. There will be prizes on the day from event sponsors Up
and Running and Cyclewise Whinlatter for individual male &
female, veteran male & female, & first team along with
various spot prizes.Bike hire is available from Cyclewise who will
be open on the day for any last minute essentials.
Whinlatter is the first event of the winter duathlon series
organised by High Terrain Events. Entries are limited and previous
editions have been a sell out.The next duathlon is Kielder on 4th
December set in the beautiful Kielder Forest Park in
Northumberland. Full event details and online registration are
available at www.highterrainevents.co.uk
Tags: duathlon
