FAQs
This is not exhaustive, but these are some commonly asked questions:
Do I have to have a racing / road bike to take part?
No! Every year we have people riding mountain bikes, folding bikes, time trial bikes, bikes with baskets – you name it, we’ve seen it! As long as your bicycle is roadworthy, road-legal and in good condition, with fully functioning brakes, then you are good to go.
Can I go in the same wave as my friend, even though we’re in different age groups?
Almost certainly, yes. Just let us know what you’d like to do well in advance, and we will do our best to help friends and family race together where they want to. The only exception to this is if you are in the Standard distance triathlon or Aquabike and are requesting a later start time, as we are limited by road closure timings and event venue take-down.
Can I change distance after I’ve entered?
Yes you can, just email us detailing which event you have entered, and which you would like to do instead. If you are increasing distance then you will need to pay the difference in entry fee. We are unable to offer refunds if you are dropping down a distance.
We’ve entered the relay but one of our team has dropped out – can we replace them?
Yes, just drop us an email with the name and email address of the new team member, so we can enable them to register their details.
Can we do the relay with just two people?
Yes that’s fine. It will be clear how to do this when you enter.
Where’s the best place for my friends and family to support me?
Supporters will need to park in Green Park (or take the train to Reading Green Park Station), and then walk to the race site (following signs). Please just remind them to keep right when walking over the railway bridge, as there will be cyclists coming across too. There are plenty of locations at race HQ where you will see runners come past, and you can also go to the swim start and watch the whole swim, including the start, from the viewing platform or lakeside. They won’t be able to see the swim exit though.
Am I allowed to swim backstroke or breaststroke?
You are allowed to swim any stroke you choose. We would ask that if you intend to swim backstroke, you let us know in advance, and again at registration and at the start, so that the swim safety team are aware. This is because swimmers are asked to turn on their back and raise their arm in the air if they are in trouble, so we would need to have an alternative method for you to communicate if you were in difficulty.
I see that the run is off-road – do I need trail shoes?
It’s not necessary and most people wear their normal running shoes. However, if it’s been particularly wet, or you prefer more grip and do own trail shoes, then by all means they would be fine on this course. The surface is almost entirely grass, and uneven, so wear what makes you feel most secure and comfortable.