"Tough course which was harder than any Ironman 70.3 that I've entered. The swim was in an icon Olympic location and ride took us through the undulating Surrey Hills through some great scenery and beautiful villages. The run was brutal, however the fantastic countryside and views with minimal tarmac and urban setting kept you going"
STEPHEN M 2022
ROUTE OVERVIEW
Rather than following the tradition of planning a route to fit a race distance this event starts with a beginning and an end an everything else epically falls into place.
This route isn’t the fastest way from a to b, it’s the best way from a to b. Taking in the beauty of both the north and south downs, it merges the beauty of views out over London and Brighton with rural villages and challenging climbs. It’s easier to power up a climb knowing it’s taking you one step closer to your end destination and leaving you with fantastic views from the top.
THE START AND THE SWIM
Location: Dorney Lake, Dorney, Windsor, SL4 6FJ
Distance: 1.2 miles
Type: Inland Open Water Swim
The swim and transition 1 is held at the wonderful Eton Dorney rowing centre.
Your swim begins with a rolling start, from a short countdown we start to let swimmers into the water to begin their swim. We then allow people to start for up to 20 minutes after this the start time, this means you can go off with the faster initial rush or chill out and take your time.
Once you’re out of the water its a short stroll to transition to get ready for the bike.
THE BIKE
Distance: c.66 miles
Gain: 3300ft
Type: Open Road / Country Lanes
The bike portion of the event departs Dorney and heads round the outskirts of Windsor with views of Windsor Castle. We stick to open roads through Berkshire, Surrey and Sussex to the foot of Ditchling Beacon. The route has been designed to make the most of both the stunning scenery and challenging climbs found in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Aid stations, toilets and mechanical support are provided along the route. This relaxed sportive takes place on open roads; therefore participants must obey the rules of the road.
TRANSITION 2 - HASSOCKS
Hassocks sports centre is home to transition 2. You’ll drop off your bike and collect your running kit.
You have full use of the leisure centre facilities so you can take your time and make sure your ready for what comes next, some people have even been known to grab a quick shower.
THE RUN
Distance: 14 miles
Gain: 1300ft
Type: 90% Trail / 10% Road
To finish the event off we’ve got a fantastically scenic run heading from Hassocks over Ditchling Beacon and down to the sea front at Brighton where your day out will finish.
The run route has a challenging start taking you up onto the South Downs Way, along Ditchling Beacon and provides epic views over the surrounding countryside. You will then slowly descend through the countryside all the way down to the sea front. The run is around 80% trail and 20% tarmac.
FINISH - BRIGHTON
Location: Hove Lawns, Brighton, BN1 3PE
What better place to finish your day than in the heart of Brighton at Hove Lawns right on the sea front. You’ll be right in the heart of Brighton next to the i360 tower and the Angel of Peace statue.
Once your through the finish line you can make your way down to the sea and take a dip, enjoy some post event food and drink and then either catch a coach back to the start of make a night of it in Brighton.