Harlequin Adventure Duathlon

Distance: 4.k run, 7k cycle, 8k Mountain run, 15k cycle, 4k run (Total distance 38kms) Location: Harlequin Hotel Lannagh Rd Castlebar Registration: Hotel, Friday 23th evening 6 to 8.00pm, Start Time: 9.15am Saturday 25th Finish Time: 2.00pm Garda: Castlebar Gardai First Aid: Civil Defence Volunteers: 35 Volunteers (Civil Defence and locals) Register www.runireland.com Website www.harlequinnhotel.ie Email : sport@harlequin.ie FAQ What is the Harlequin Adventure Duathlon? The Adventure Duathlon is a mix of running and cycling over a hilly course. A standard racer will do perfectly for the bike sections and your normal runners will do for all of the running sections. The running sections are a mix of paths and fire tracks but normal running shoes should suffice. The bike sections are all on sealed rural roads, but bring a spare tube and pump in case of a puncture as you have to be self sufficient. Remember to fit a water bottle to your bike as its easier to take on fluids while cycling. The Breakdown is as follows Race Format 4k run 7k cycle 8k trail Mountain run 15k cycle 3k run Total distance 37kms How long will it take to complete the course ? Elite - If you are a competitive hill runner, tri-athlete, run marathons or cyclist. This would be if you are extremely active every week. Winner in about 2hrs, lady winner 2.15hrs Intermediate – If you are starting training with a good level of fitness, maybe go to soccer or rugby training once or twice a week, but have never tried a multi sport event before. course in about 2hrs 35mins and female about 2hrs 50mins Beginner – If you are starting from a low level of fitness and this is a whole new challenge for you. under 3.hrs and female about 3.5hrs What type of bike do you need ? Bicycle Guide Safety first; you should ensure that the bike is properly serviced, with working brakes, you will be descending off hills with STEEP gradients, so you want to feel safe and confident on your bike. You must OBEY the rules of the road at all times as the race will be held on open roads. (the good news they are quiet) Wearing of a helmet is compulsory while cycling, it can be left with the bike at the transition areas while on the running sections. Bike choices in terms of Speed: • A road bike (racer) will be the fastest choice for this course. • A triathlon bike would probably be somewhat slower on the climbs and descents. • A mountain bike with slick tyres would be slower. • A mountain bike with knobbly tyres would be slowest of all. Bike mandatory kit. Pump Spare tube Tire levers Allen key set (optional) What other items do I need to compete in the Harlequin Adventure You will need your own bike. You could rent a bike AT WESTPORT BIKE HIRE but book early to avoid disappointment. You may also need some more mandatory kit. This mandatory kit will be confirmed to all registered participants by e-mail no later than 22nd of March the list will be basic as the course is not dangerous and is easily accessible by all vehicles Can I get a refund if I do not attend ? When paying for your entry to the Harlequin Adventure Duathlon it is stipulated that this is a non-refundable payment. As soon as a competitor enters we incur costs such as admin etc. It is also not possible to transfer entries to any other Events, next year’s event, or a different competitor. Where are the water stops? The water stops will be at the Transitions and at the turn spot up at the top of the mountain, this will be shown on the map but you will also need to bring water yourself. You will need to have water from the start of the race and you can also have water/drink left on your bike. REMEMBER KEEP THE TOWN CLEAN!!! Can I practice on the course beforehand? We encourage you to use the course maps to practice on the Harlequin Adventure Duathlon course in advance. Where do I leave my bike Transitions Your bikes must be left at T1 (St Patricks National School Rathbawn Road Castlebar) this is only 1.5k from the official start at the Harlequin Hotel on Lannagh Rd. On the morning of the race you can leave you bike over to the marshaled transition area. All competitors will be wearing a race number for the event and will be issued a race number for their bike also which helps us identify your bike at the transitions. Race numbers will be issued at race registration with your pack and your electronic timing “dibber.” For the 3 bike transitions within the event, the bikes will be safe and secure. You will need to pick up your bike from the main transition area at St Patrick’s School by 1pm, so that we can tidy up. The next Transition T2 is 7k out at the start of the hill run, this area will be marshaled and bike racking will be numbered and bikes will be racked in according to your race number, there will be plenty of room for everyone’s bike. The 3rd Bike transition will be again back at T1 St Patrick’s school, remember to collect your bike before 1pm (See Harlequin hotel for room rates) http://www.harlequinhotelcastlebar.ie Do I have to navigate on the Course? While navigation skills are not a requirement, do not travel faster than your route knowledge. The route will be described and marked with signs/arrows, there will be Marshalls on the major junctions but always proceed with caution as this is an unsupported adventure challenge Will the race go ahead if there is bad weather? If the situation arrives that we are unlucky enough to get weather that may be dangerous to participants, the organizer may have to make a decision to shorten or take out certain sections of the course, and this will only be decided on the morning of the event. Race Marshaling Please obey the race organization at all times, these include Civil Defense, Mayo Mtn Rescue, Gardai, Volunteers and all race personal. On the bike cycle no more than 2 abreast and pull in where possible if a vehicle is behind you. Strictly No IPods or Headphones; If you wear either you will be disqualified on the spot, safety is a huge priority and failing to here instruction or the sound of on coming traffic can cause serious accidents to you, fellow competitors and to the general public. What time is Registration The registration locations will be open on Friday evening from 6 to 10.30pm. Saturday Morning Registration will be from 7:15am to 8:15am When you register, you will receive your race pack containing your competitor number, some goodies from our sponsors and some further written race info relating to the challenge ahead. There will be staff on hand to answer questions. You will also receive your electronic timing chip (known as a “dibber”) which you will wear on your ankle throughout the event. On Saturday morning the 26th of March (after 8am) you can leave your bike at T1 transition area in St Patrick’s school Rathbawn Rd car park, where we will have set up bike racking with a number for your bike. It will be safe as the transition area is locked and they are guarded by the marshals. Can I see my split times? Your progress through the course (and results) is measured with the use of electronic timing equipment, part of which requires the wearing of a small device on your wrist – the “dibber”. What time is the Start Proper ? Race briefing will take place at 9am outside the Days hotel on Lannagh road, the race will start proper at 9.15am please obey the marshals, as penalties will apply for not doing so. What are the Categories prizes? Prizes Males 1st 2nd 3rd overall Female 1st 2nd 3rd overall Male and female 1st Under 18 (Junior) Male and female 1st Over 40 Male and female 1st Over 50 What time can I see the results? Once every competitor has finished we will have the results ready 90mins after that time. Participants also have the chance to make a weekend out of the race by staying over and catching a show at the famous Theatre Royal next door to the Harlequin Hotel SEE www.theroyal.ie for events