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Thinking of Entering Your First Triathlon?

Thinking of Entering Your First Triathlon

Thinking of Entering Your First Triathlon

If you are thinking of entering your first Triathlon, but like me, you are not a fan of a pool swim, The Allerthorpe Sprint Triathlon or Super Sprint Triathlon could be just the ticket. 

I am not really a fan of pool-based swimming. Just the smell of chlorine takes me straight back to compulsory swimming lessons at school. And, don’t even start with the constant echo of whistles from the pool attendants. 

And, it’s not just me. For most triathletes, swimming is the most challenging part of a Triathlon. It is by far the weakest of the disciplines. It is common to see first-time Triathletes using breaststroke, sidestroke and a combination of anything, especially for a Sprint Distance Triathlon. 

The Open Water Swim

Open water swimming is different; the smells, the noise and the overall feeling of being outside in the fresh air, coupled with the added buoyancy of a wetsuit, make open water swimming a much more wholesome and potentially enjoyable experience. 

So, if you, like me, are not much of a fan of pool swims.  With a 400m Swim and 750m Swim respectively, The Allerthorpe Super Sprint or if you fancy a slightly longer race,  the Allerthorpe Sprint Triathlon might well be an excellent place to start your first open water triathlon. 

What makes the Swim at Allerthorpe better for Entering Your First Triathlon?

The swim at Allerthorpe Lakeland Park is 400m or 750m, depending on the race you choose, open water swims set in the shallow and clear Allerthorpe Lake. Water depth is no more than 5 ft, so it’s pretty easy to stand up should you feel the need; it’s a swim, though, so no walking is allowed. The swim is wetsuit legal, so for all of us “weaker” swimmers, the wetsuit will really help keep those legs up to reduce drag. 

Allerthorpe Lake is well sheltered from the wind, so the water is flat and not choppy, making breathing so much easier as there are no waves. 

Swim with people like you. 

We will ask all triathletes for their estimated swim time before the race. You will then be grouped into waves according to your expected total swim time. This means you will be swimming in a group with other athletes or friends of a similar standard to yourself.

And don’t worry, at all times, the Open Water Swim will be attended by highly trained lifeguards if you need any support.

Don’t let the lack of a road bike put you off Entering Your First Triathlon

Having completed the swim, it’s an easy jog to the bike rack to locate your bike and prepare for the 10K or 20K Bike leg.

The roads around Allerthorpe are very flat, so is the bike course, and it should be easily tackled by anyone who is fit enough to ride a bike for around an hour. 

Although a road bike is recommended, the flat course makes the ride suitable for almost any bike. Many first-timers borrow a bike or use mountain or hybrid bikes. Of course, you will likely complete the ride in a faster time if you use a road bike and are used to riding one; however, you will be able to complete the race on anything with two wheels. Make sure it’s is in good working order and roadworthy. Marshalls will be looking over bikes in the racking area. 

The Run

For the third and final discipline of our race, you will exit the transition area after racking your bike and venture out onto a single flat 2.5k out and back or 5km loop run course. 

As you cross the finish line, you will receive your Marauder finishers T-shirt, and you can proudly say, “I’ve done a Triathlon!”

Drinks and refreshments will be available at the finish. The race will be chip timed. You will be able to find out your overall time and times for each segment of the race immediately. Full race results will be available within 24 hours of the race finishing here on the website.

The Positive Motivational Attitude and Entering Your First Triathlon

A real “biggy” is also the positive and supportive atmosphere. There is already enough negativity in the world; we don’t want to contribute. So, we try to run welcoming and friendly events. 

From fellow Triathletes, Marshalls and Spectators, we promote positivity and encouragement, hoping everyone enjoys our events and returns for more. 

So, you can expect plenty of encouragement; in fact, we actively encourage it.