Henley-on-Thames Triathlon - Sunday 24th June
If you have never done a triathlon before then this is the event for you!
For the Henley-on-Thames Childrens event information please scroll down to the bottom of the page
Henley-on-Thames Triathlon
Gillotts School, Gillotts Lane, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire.
Sunday 24th June 2012
Competitor Race Day Information
First competitor start at 9:00am
Please note, unfortunately dogs are not permitted on the school field where registration, the run course and the finish line are located.
Thank you for entering the Henley-on-Thames Triathlon. Please take time to read all the information on this sheet, it will make the race far more enjoyable for you and reduce the need to ask many questions on the day. You can view the cycle course, run course and general layout of the event at race registration or on the website here.
Good luck and I hope you enjoy your day!
Vic Bickerton, Event Director.
DIRECTIONS TO THE TRIATHLON CAR PARK (for satnav RG9 4PR)
From the M40 north or south use Junction 6, (if you take Junction 4 through Henley town centre, you may encounter delays) follow signs for Watlington on the A4009, at Watlington follow the B480 that changes to the B481 to Nettlebed. Stay on the A481 heading toward Highmoor Cross, Rotherfield Peppard and Sonning Common. At Rotherfield Peppard turn left following the “Triathlon Parking” signs on to Dog Lane heading toward Henley. From this point follow signs for “Triathlon Parking”.
From the M4 head into Reading centre and take the B481 heading to Sonning Common. Immediately after Sonning Common you will come to Rotherfield Peppard where you turn right heading for Henley following the “Triathlon Parking” signs.
PARKING
There is strictly no parking at the school itself! Follow the signs for "Triathlon Parking". There is a voluntary donation of £3 for all day parking that will be donated to local charities. It is a 15 minute walk from the car park to registration and will be signposted. You must not park on the main road or any residential streets. If you wish to park elsewhere, please continue straight on into Henley and park at one of the town's pay and display car parks.
VOLUNTEERING
Do you have family or friends supporting you at the Henley-on-Thames Triathlon? We always need volunteers for the race, on all areas from registration through to finish line refreshments. No experience is necessary and every volunteer receives a pair of designer 2012 Sundog sports sunglasses worth £45.00, food and drink for the duration and lots of thanks, as without volunteers, events like these would not be possible.
If you would like to help out please email Julie at julie@uktriathlon.co.uk or call Race Director Keith on 07887 780553 they'll both be delighted to hear from you!
RACE DAY PHOTOGRAPHY
The official race photographers will be positioned at the finish line. Please make sure you have your race number clearly visible so you can check out your photographs on the screens at the finish line.
REFRESHMENTS
There is on site catering at the event serving hot & cold food & drink.
FACILITIES
Toilets and showers are available at the leisure centre (open from 8:00am).
HOTEL, B&B & CAMPING
For hotel, guesthouses, B&B & camping contact Henley Tourist Information on 01491 578034 or click here. There is free camping and caravanning on the school field for Saturday night only. Just turn up and pitch behind the registration marquee. Please note you cannot drive your vehicle off the field until the last cyclist has completed the course. Estimated time for this is 2:00pm and there will be no exceptions. Alternatively move your car to the official car park prior to race start at 9am.
MASSAGE
Pre and post race massage will be available on race day.
UK TRIATHLON STORE Retail Stand
For all the best in triathlon bikes, clothing and equipment look no further. UK TRIATHLON STORE will be located next to the registration marquee from Saturday afternoon through to Sunday. So whether you require nutrition products for some extra energy, a tri-suit to take part in, a cycle helmet, peaked cap for the run or an inner tube as a last minute emergency, they can help! For sales and product information call 01270 842331 or click here.
BTF MEMBERS
We support membership of the BTF and therefore we recognize BTF members. In order to verify your BTF Membership please show your 2012 BTF licence at registration or you will be required to pay the £5.00 difference. The £5.00 extra that non-BTF members have already paid is the cost of a PRO TRI day licence that allows you to compete.
RESULTS
Results will be available to view shortly after you have crossed the finish line and will be displayed on the TV screen which is located at the finish line.
Overall results and times will be online at www.uktriathlon.co.uk on Monday 25th June.
THE RACE IN GENERAL
It is recommended that competitors arrive as early as possible to familiarise themselves with the layout of the event. The race is run from the indoor swimming pool at Henley Leisure Centre next to Gillotts School in intervals throughout the day, starting at 9:00am. First you must go to registration, located in the marquee on the school field at the rear of the school (open on Saturday 2pm-5pm & Sunday from 7:45am), to register and collect your race numbers.
Your race numbers must be worn on your front and back and are not to be mutilated or re-sized in any way, they must be pinned in all four corners. Elasticated number belts are permitted to save putting pin holes in your shirt but both numbers must be displayed front and back and pinned in the top left and right hand corners. A picture of how to do it is on a banner at registration (number belts are available to purchase from the UK Triathlon Store next to registration or by mail order by clicking here). Attach the cycle and helmet stickers as directed on the sheet.
It is good practice to write your name, blood group and any allergies you may have on the back of your race number in the unfortunate case of an accident. Please note, for your and other competitors safety, mobile phones, MP3 or any type of personal music system that restricts your hearing is not permitted whilst competing in the event.
Register at least 60 minutes before your start time. You cannot change your start time.
Once registered, if required lay out anything you need for the final run section of the triathlon in the Cycle Transition Area 2 opposite the registration marquee (any position is fine) such as running shoes or maybe a cap. Then take your cycle to the pool (please note that the swimming pool is located within the leisure centre at the front of the school and is sign posted) and rack your cycle in Cycle Transition Area 1 along with items you require for the cycle section of the triathlon such as helmet, sunglasses, shoes, vest or T-shirt. Then make your way to the pool ready for the swim.
Please do not rack your cycle in the Cycle Transition Area 1 outside of the swimming pool earlier than 15 minutes prior to your start time.
Make sure you have your race number with you to enter either Cycle Transition Area 1 or 2, as security will require it. When leaving equipment in the transition area, please note that we cannot be responsible for any items lost or stolen, although we are allocating security staff to specifically watch the transition area.
Please be on the poolside 10 minutes before your start time (late comers will regretfully be turned away) for your compulsory race safety brief.
SWIM (Sprint & Relay 400m/Super Sprint & Fun 200m)
The pool is 25 metres long, 16 lengths for the Sprint & Relay, 8 lengths for the Fun. Diving, tumble turns and back stroke are not allowed. Competitors will be started at 20 second intervals.
Sprint & Relay Triathlon: 4 lengths in a clockwise direction in each of the 4 lanes to total 16 lengths
Super Sprint & Fun Triathlon: 2 lengths in a clockwise direction in each of the 4 lanes to total 8 lengths
The swim course is very straightforward and there are signs and stewards to help if you get confused, don’t worry its easy! You swim the required number of lengths in each lane and then switch into the next lane and so on. It is up to you to count your own lengths, there will be spot checks throughout the course of the race. A swim cap will be allocated to you at the poolside which you must wear, please take it off when you exit the pool (please don’t make us chase you for it!). If you have your own swim cap you may use it. Please take extra care on the poolside floor and steps with wet feet, as it will be slippery.
TYR and Aqua Sphere goggles and swim caps are available to purchase from the UK Triathlon Store next to registration or by mail order by clicking here.
When you finish your swim, change into your cycling gear in Cycle Transition Area 1. Use the ASICS carrier bag with your race number on that you received at registration to put any items in from the swim (such as goggles or a towel), pull the drawstring tight so the bag is closed and leave it next to where your cycle was in the Cycle Transition Area 1 and it will be collected and taken to bag collection next to registration ready for when you have completed the race (you must show your race number to retrieve your bag!). Please do not close your drawstring Asics bag prior to completing your swim as it may appear that you have already left Cycle Transition Area 1 and started the cycle course and we don’t want the marshals to accidentally take your bag before you have finished your swim.
BIKE (Sprint & Relay 25km, Super Sprint & Fun 12.5km)
You must fasten your helmet before taking your cycle off the rack. Walk or run to the cycle mount line where you commence the cycle section of the race.
2 laps of the course for Sprint and Relay Triathlon
1 lap of the course for Super Sprint & Fun Triathlon
The course is fairly flat with undulations. Follow the signs around the course and do not turn until you see the specific UK Triathlon Cycle Route signs.
***PLEASE INSERT THE GRAPHIC OF THE CYCLE COURSE DIRECTION SIGN HERE***
Please take extra care at all junctions. Although there are safety marshals present, they are not there to stop the traffic. There is a very narrow section of the course at the end of the lap. Please take extra special care along this section and keep well in to the left to avoid any potential oncoming traffic. The final 200 metres of the course is inside the school grounds. Please also take extra special care on this section as there will be general public walking alongside with only cones to separate you from them.
Dismount your cycle at the end of the cycle course and rack your cycle in Cycle Transition Area 2, a marshal will tell you to dismount, do not unfasten your helmet until you have racked your cycle and do not ride your cycle in the transition area.
Important! You will not be allowed to take part without a cycle helmet (NO HELMET NO RACE).
Ride your bike in a responsible manner and obey the Highway Code, please consider other road users and above all RIDE SAFELY. Irresponsible cycling will constitute an immediate disqualification and possible prosecution from the Police.
DRAFTING
Cyclists must maintain a forward distance of 5 metres between each other at all times except when overtaking when it is the responsibility of the overtaken rider to drop back to maintain this gap. Drafting marshals will strictly enforce this rule and offending cyclists will receive a time penalty then disqualification on the second offence.
RUN (Sprint & Relay 5K/Super Sprint & Fun 2.5K)
When you finish your cycle, change into your running kit in Cycle Transition Area 2 (make sure your torso is covered for the run section).
The run is on grass
4 laps for Sprint & Relay
2 laps for Super Sprint & Fun
Follow the posts and tape around the course. It is up to you to count your laps on the run, marshals will be taking numbers as a check in the case of suspected insufficient laps completed. There is a feed station on each lap that will be serving High5 sports drink and water. When you have finished the required number of laps, turn down the finish alley and through the inflatable finish line.
RELAY TEAMS
Each member of the relay team completes one of the disciplines in the triathlon. At registration you will be given a wristband that you have to relay to the finish line. After completing the swim, the swimmer then passes the wristband to the cyclist inside Cycle Transition Area 1 next to where the cycle is racked, the cyclist must not take their cycle off the rack until they have received the wristband. The cyclist completes the cycle course and passes the band over to the runner in Cycle Transition Area 2 only when the cycle has been placed on the rack. The runner completes the run and hands in the band at the finish line. Relay awards are based on all male and all female teams, mixed teams are fine but will not qualify for awards.
PRIZES
There are prizes for top 3 male & female in the Sprint & Super Sprint races as well as first place all male and first place all female in the Relay. In addition there will be prizes for first place in all five year age groups in the Sprint Triathlon, so stay around for the prize giving which will take place shortly after the last competitor has finished.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Many thanks to all that have made this event possible especially all at Gillotts School and the Leisure Centre, Sundog, ASICS, TYR, Henley-on-Thames Police, Henley-on-Thames local council and anyone else that has helped in anyway.
UK Kids Fun Triathlon
Gillotts School & Henley Leisure Centre,
Henley-on Thames, RG9 4PR.
Saturday 23rd June 2012
Thank you for entering The Warburtons Kids Fun Triathlon, there are over 300 children taking part in this fun charity event.
Please note dogs are not allowed on the school field where the bike course, run course and finish line are located.
Please take time to read all the information on this sheet, it will make the race far more enjoyable and reduce the need to ask many questions on the day.
Vic Bickerton, Event Director.
DIRECTIONS (for satnav RG9 4PR)
From the M40 north or south use Junction 6, (if you take Junction 4 through Henley town centre, you may encounter delays) follow signs for Watlington on the A4009, at Watlington follow the B480 that changes to the B481 to Nettlebed. Stay on the A481 heading toward Highmoor Cross, Rotherfield Peppard and Sonning Common. At Rotherfield Peppard turn left following the “Triathlon Parking” signs onto Dog Lane heading toward Henley. From this point follow signs for “Triathlon Parking”.
From the M4 head into Reading centre and take the B481 heading to Sonning Common. Immediately after Sonning Common you will come to Rotherfield Peppard where you turn right heading for Henley following the “Triathlon Parking” signs.
PARKING
There is strictly no parking at the school itself. Follow the signs for "Triathlon Parking". There is a voluntary donation of £3 for all day parking that will be donated to local charities. It is a 15 minute walk from the car park to registration and will be signposted. You must not park on the main road or any residential streets. If you wish to park elsewhere, please continue straight on into Henley and park at one of the town's pay and display car parks.
MARSHAL OPPORTUNITY
We are keen to recruit extra helpers at the event, so if you know of anyone that would be interested in volunteering to marshal from 1pm till 3pm then please get in touch with Keith on 07887 780 553 or julie@uktriathlon.co.uk. No experience is necessary and every volunteer receives a pair of designer Sundog sports sunglasses worth £45.00, food and drink for the duration and lots of thanks, as we rely so much on volunteers to make the event possible.
RACE DAY PHOTOGRAPHY
The official race photographers (www.theeventphotoghrapher.co.uk) will be positioned at the finish line. Approximately 15 minutes after finishing, photographs can be viewed on the screens at the rear of the finish line and purchased if wished.
please note, photography is not permitted at the swim section of the triathlon.
REFRESHMENTS
There is catering at the event serving hot & cold food & drink.
FACILITIES
Toilets and showers are located inside the leisure centre.
THE RACE IN GENERAL
It is recommended that you arrive as early as possible to familiarise yourselves with the layout of the event. First go to registration which is in the marquee located on the school field (open from 10am till 1:45pm) to register and collect the official T-shirt, race number, cycle and helmet number and wristbands.
The race number must be worn on the front of the official T-shirt and clearly visible at all times. Please pin the number in all four corners with the safety pins provided. Elasticated number belts are permitted to save putting pins holes in the T-shirt. The number must be pinned in the top left and right hand corner, a picture of how to do it is on a banner at registration (number belts are available to purchase from the UK Triathlon Store next to registration or by mail order by clicking here). Attach the cycle and helmet stickers as directed on the sheet.
The orange numbered wristband is to be worn by the competitor and the green wrist band by the parent or guardian responsible for the child. It’s fine if you are responsible for several children, just wear all numbered bands corresponding to the children.
Register at least 60 minutes before your start time. Start times cannot be changed!
Once registered, go to Cycle Transition Area 1 (directly outside the swimming pool exit). Place the bike on the racking and lay out everything required for the bike section of the triathlon i.e. cycle helmet, shoes, Warburtons Kids Fun Triathlon T shirt (with number attached or elasticated number belt with number attached). You can also lay out items like a towel (to quickly dry off), sunglasses, shorts and perhaps a drinks bottle.
When leaving equipment in the transition area, please note we cannot be responsible for any items that may get lost or stolen, although we are allocating security staff to specifically watch the transition area.
When you have finished Cycle Transition Area 1 preparation, make your way to the changing rooms back via the leisure centre reception and from there through to poolside at least 10 minutes before start time. Parents and supporters are permitted to enter and assist in both Cycle Transition Area 1 and 2 and to come through to the pool from the changing area as there is a dedicated spectator area.
SWIM
7-8 years, 25 metres = 1 length
9-12 years, 50 metres = 2 lengths
13-16 years, 100 metres = 4 lengths
Relay triathlon, 100 metres = 4 lengths
The pool is 25 metres long, Diving, tumble turns and back stroke are not allowed. Competitors will be started at regular intervals from 1:00pm until 3:00pm.
The swim course is very straightforward and there will be a verbal briefing prior to each competitors start. A swim cap will be allocated poolside which must be worn. Competitors may use their own swim cap instead if preferred. Please take extra care on the poolside floor with wet feet, as it will be slippery!
You can purchase children and adult size Aqua-Sphere and TYR swimming goggles and swimming caps at the UK Triathlon Store either at the event or online by clicking here.
When the swim course is completed, you can escort your child into Cycle Transition Area 1 and assist them if you wish in putting on their Official Race T-shirt, helmet, shoes etc. Please take swimming goggles, towel etc. with you at that point so you don’t have to go back for them later.
BIKE
7-8 years, 1 kilometre = 1 lap
9-12 years, 2 kilometres = 2 laps
13-16 years, 3 kilometres = 3 laps
Relay triathlon, 3 kilometres = 3 laps
Make sure your child walks or runs to the bike mount line as there is strictly no cycling in the Cycle Transition areas. The helmet must be fastened before taking the bike off the rack.
The cycle course is flat and on grass with the exception of the first 200 metres which is tarmac. The entire cycle course is within the grounds of the leisure centre and school and is post and taped. Extra care must be taken at all turnaround points.
It is yours or your child’s responsibility to count the correct amount of laps on the bike. Parents/guardians may help them do this.
The bike must be dismounted at the end of the course, a marshal will instruct this.
Competitors will not be allowed to take part without a cycle helmet.
You can purchase children’s size helmets at the UK Triathlon Store online by clicking here.
RUN
7-8 years, 500 metres = 1 lap
9-12 years, 1 kilometres = 2 laps
13-16 years, 1.5 kilometres = 3 laps
Relay triathlon, 1.5 kilometres = 3 laps
When you finish the bike course, at the dismount line, the bike and helmet will be taken by a marshal and put onto the bike racking in Cycle Transition Area 2. The bike and helmet can be collected after the race by providing a matching race number to the cycle and helmet stickers. The run is flat and completely post and taped on the school field.
It is yours or your child’s responsibility to count the correct amount of laps on the run. Parents/guardians may help them do this.
You can purchase Xtenex elasticated laces for a faster and hassle free way of getting shoes on after the swim for the cycle leg or for the run leg at the UK Triathlon Store either at the event or online by clicking here.
There is a drinks station on each lap of the run that will be serving High5 sports drink and water. When the required number of laps have been achieved, your child must turn down the finish alley and continue through the inflatable finish line into the enclosure, finishers will be awarded their medal on the stage.
RELAY TEAMS
Each member of the relay team completes one of the disciplines in the triathlon. At registration a wristband is supplied that is relayed to the finish line. After completing the swim, the swimmer then passes the wristband to the cyclist inside Cycle Transition Area 1 next to where the cycle is racked. The cyclist completes the cycle course and passes the band over to the runner in Cycle Transition Area 2. The runner completes the run and hands in the band at the finish line.
TIMING
This event is intended for all abilities to complete the challenge of the Triathlon and therefore isn’t timed and doesn’t publish results. We believe this is important to encourage all children to have a go without the pressure of coming last, or not doing as well as other children. Every child will be a winner of the Warburtons UK Kids Fun Triathlon. If you wish to individually time your child then of course you’re welcome to do so. We will also take an overall time for each competitor. You may go to the timing trailer at the finish line and request a copy of that time.
TIPS
You may assist your child in Cycle Transition Area 1. Please follow any instruction that an official may give you.
Make sure your child(ren) are well hydrated before the event (drink plenty of water).
If it is a sunny day apply sunscreen to protect against sunburn.
Check that the bike brakes, gears etc. are working correctly.
If your child is suffering from any kind of bad chest, cold, sore throat or ear infection we strongly advise they not take part.
If you have any health concerns about your child’s fitness or ability to take part in this triathlon you must seek advice from your local GP.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Many thanks to all that have made this event possible especially all at Gillotts School & Henley Leisure Centre. To our sponsors Warburtons, Go Green, Sundog, ASICS and TYR. Also, thanks to The UK Triathlon Race Crew, all volunteer marshals and of course everyone that has helped in any way.






