Preview: Conwy Middle Distance+ Triathlon 2016

Xtra Mile Events, organisers of the Conwy Middle Distance+ Triathlon, have confirmed that it is not too late to enter the 2016 event which takes place on Saturday 16th July 2016.

Formerly known as The Eirias, the Conwy Middle Distance+ Triathlon is recognised as one of the best and most challenging sea triathlons in the UK. It is based at the stunning Porth Eirias Watersports Complex in Colwyn Bay, perfectly located to enable triathletes to make the most of the spectacular North Wales coastline and countryside.

The race features a new bike course and is the perfect training race for IRONMAN Wales in September.

Taking place on the same day is the Conwy Standard Distance+ Triathlon. Each race has a maximum capacity of 500 competitors.

The start of both races is in the sea at Porth Eirias, with the middle distance+ race incorporating a 1900m swim (2 laps), 85 km cycle and 20 km run. The standard distance+ race takes place on the same course and includes a 1500m swim, 53 km cycle and 10 km run. The run follows the magnificent Welsh Coastal Path and takes competitors down to the finish line on the esplanade outside Porth Eirias complex. Supporters and families can enjoy the first-class facilities and great views at Porth Eirias.

With a stunning sea front venue and transition, an epic cycle route in the Welsh hills and a coastal run section, this is a must-do race which attracts a top field each year.

Registration to the Conwy Middle Distance+ and Standard Distance+ Triathlons is open at http://www.xtramileevents.com/events/, with individual entry fees of £65 for the middle distance and £50 for the standard distance race. Team relay entries are available for £125 or £75 respectively. The first wave of the Conwy Middle Distance+ Triathlon starts at 08:00 am and the Standard Distance + Triathlon starts at 09:00 am. Entries close on 13th July 2016 or when sold out.

Spectators are welcome to watch all stages of the event which is usually well supported. The new Porth Eirias building and esplanade has stunning sea views in order to watch the sea swim; the esplanade is also the best vantage point to watch the cyclists at the end of each lap, the runners as they head off after the cycle, and all triathletes as they finish.

Athletes are advised to register for the Conwy Middle Distance+ and Standard Distance+ Triathlons on Friday 15th July. Alternatively they can register on the Saturday morning of the race, but they must be ready in time for the pre-race briefing in the transition area at 07:40.

Race Timetable

Friday

16:00  Registration opens at Porth Eirias
18:30  Registration closes

Saturday

06:00  Registration opens
07:00  Transition opens
07:30  Registration closes
07:40  Race briefing for all distances (compulsory)
07:40  Transition closes – no bike racking after this time
08:00  Middle distance start
09:00  Standard distance start
14:00 (approx.)  Standard prize giving
15:30 (approx.)  Middle+ prize giving at the finish line area
17:30  Transition closes

Race Director Simon Hill commented: “With just over a week to go until the 2016 Conwy Middle and Standard Distance + Triathlons, we are pleased to see entries coming in still for this fantastic event on the North Wales coast. It is a day of real sporting heroics as triathletes take on one of the UK’s most challenging sea triathlons. We feel very privileged to host the event in Colwyn Bay and to be able to benefit from the area’s stunning natural landscape in each section of the race. It makes for a superb triathlon and a wonderful day out for supporters and friends, who can enjoy spectacular views of all parts of the race from the new Porth Eirias centre.

“We would encourage anyone still wishing to enter to do so quickly, and we are looking forward to providing a fantastic atmosphere for athletes and spectators on race day.”

The 2015 men’s individual standard distance+ winner was Daniel McParland, with a time of 02:47:26, and the women’s title was taken by Traci Shipley with a time of 03:20:03. The 2015 men’s individual middle distance winner was Tom Williams with a time of 05:21:23, and the winner of the women’s was Sarah Harrison Sharpe in 05:59:05.

Registration for the Conwy Middle Distance+ and Standard Distance+ Triathlons is still open and entries close on 13th July 2016 or when sold out.

Go to www.xtramileevents.com to secure your place now, like the Facebook page www.facebook.com/TriathlonUK and follow Xtra Mile Events on Twitter @GreatTriathlons and Instagram xtra_mile_events.