a new event from
Taunton Deane Tri
2014%
Sunday 28th June 2014
at
Taunton School.
Sanctioned by the British Triathlon Federation
Dear Competitor, Welcome to the first ever edition of the Taunton School Junior Aquathlon organised by Taunton Deane Triathlon Events. An aquathlon is a continuous race involving swimming and then running. The distances of the swim and the run are different for each age group, and it is a “race against the clock” that starts when you’re told to start your swim and stops when you cross the finishing line after the run. This event has been organised for you to enjoy although it may be a challenge if you have never done a “multisport” race before, so you should try and pace yourself to complete the swim and run! Please read all of the following information carefully with an adult. Directions to Taunton School, Taunton. The post-­‐code is TA2 6AD. From the M5 exit Junction 25 for the A38. Follow signs for A3027
through Taunton Town Centre, in the direction of Minehead. Routes from other directions are shown on the map below. Taunton School is accessed via Staplegrove Road From%Minehead,%
Wiveliscombe,%Devon%%
From%Bridgwater%
and%M5%%
From%Wellington%
Parking You will be directed to the event parking areas on the lawns to the left of the main entrance. Prep(School(
(Sports(Centre(
Centenary(Hall(
SITE(PLAN(
Main(Entrance(
What to do on Arrival Please report to registration in the Centenary Hall (see maps) at least half an hour before your start time, which you have been told in this email according to your age category. Registration will be open from 8:45am-­‐10.45 a.m. Registration You will be given a number and 4 safety pins. This must be pinned on the front of the shirt you will wear for your run, or alternatively pinned to a race belt. Your number will also be marked on your right arm and leg. You will be asked to report back to the Foyer of the Sports Centre 20 minutes before your start time for your race briefing where the courses and transition procedures, as well as the rules of the race, will be explained to you. A map of the run course will be available at registration, and you are welcome to go around the course to see it before you race it, but please bear in mind others may already be racing so be careful. Race Distances (according to Age on 31/12/2014) Age Swim Run (approx) – see enclosed run route map 8 100m (4 lengths) 600m (1 small lap) 9/10 200m (8 lengths) 1200m (2 small lap) 11/12 300m (12lengths) 2000m (1 long lap + 1 small lap) 13/14 400m (16 lengths) 3000m (2 long laps) 15/16 500m (20 lengths) 4500m (3 long laps) Parents/Guardians Please notify an official at registration if the child in your care has any medical condition. If you wish to take photographs, please complete a form and collect a camera sticker at registration. The changing rooms are clearly marked within the Sport Centre. We can take no responsibility for items left in the changing rooms and advise that you keep things with you. Please take anything that your child doesn't need until after the race. Once they leave the race briefing with the official they will be taken directly to the transition area to set out their running shoes and kit, and then proceed to start their race in the swimming pool. We regret that it is not possible for you to enter the poolside during the race, however you will have a very good view of the pool from the Sports hall foyer. 20 Minutes before your start time By now you should have changed into your swimming kit. Keep a sweatshirt or top on so you don't get cold and then please make your way to the Prep School Sports Centre where you will be met in the Foyer by a race volunteer who will take you to your race briefing. You will need to bring your goggles (if you wear them), and the kit you require for running with you to the briefing. Remember to bring your shirt /belt with your number attached! It might be useful to bring a small towel to put with your things in transition. It is up to you if you wish to wear socks, extra shirts etc. A race official will explain what to do and answer any questions you may have about the event. You will be given a swimming hat to put on. The official will then take you and everyone swimming at the same time as you from the Sports Hall to the transition area where competitors can set out their running kit. Taking your goggles, you will then go into the pool area ready to start your swim. You will be given a lane (up to 4 per lane) and told which direction to swim in. The Swim Pool Safety: The shallow end of the pool is 0.9 m deep and it’s 1.5m at the deep end. No diving, no back-­‐
stroke or butterfly is allowed. No running is allowed inside the swimming pool area. Swim in the direction you have been told. If the swimmer in front is slower than you, tap their toes to let them know that they must stop at the end of the next length to let you pass. Remember to do the same if someone touches your toes. The distance that you have to swim is determined by your age – so make sure that you read the race instructions and listen carefully at the race briefing. Marshals will be counting your lengths and when you have 2 lengths to go, a sign with '2 to go' will be put under the water in front of you. When you get out, take off your hat give it to one of the marshals and exit the pool by the double doors at the shallow end. Transition Leave the pool area by the large double doors at the shallow end; follow the path around to the right into the run transition area. This path is narrow so we ask you to take care and be considerate to others who are also on their way along it. Find and put on your running kit in transition. Your number needs to be on the front. Leave your goggles there. (You can collect them and anything else after the race). The Run Footwear must be worn for the run. Under BTA rules you are required to have your upper body covered during the run either with swimwear or a T-­‐shirt. Set off on your run. The run route is a taped course around the Schools fields – the distance that you run, and therefore the route you must follow is determined by your age – so please read the information relating to your own age category and listen carefully in the race briefing! Marshals will be there to help you find the way…but it is your responsibility to remember how many laps you are supposed to do. Bands will be handed out to competitors running around the Long Lap to help the marshals direct you; either to the finish or if you have another lap to run. There will be a drinks station just after the start of the run route and can be used on each lap. There will also be a drinks station at the finish. Remember to pace yourself and be aware of other runners. There may be several waves in your age group, depending upon numbers entered, because only 20 can swim at any one time. Run Route Map The Finish -­‐ Congratulations ! When you have completed your race your time will be recorded. Once you have recovered and had a drink, please collect your goggles and any other items left in transition. You are now free to change etc. There will be refreshments available in the Centenary Hall, which is where the results will be posted as soon as possible after your race, and prizes will be awarded at the end of the event. Full results will be put on the website that evening. Presentation of Prizes Awards will be given for the top 3 boys and girls in each age category at approximately 1pm, in the Centenary Hall. If you have won an award then please do stay, or return, to collect it. Be aware that your photograph may be taken for use in promoting next year’s race, for sponsors publicity and possibly even in the local newspaper. Photography Individual photographs will be available to purchase soon after the event from Charles Whitton Photography (http://www.charleswhittonphotography.com). Your photograph may also be taken for use in promoting next year’s race, for sponsors publicity and possibly even in the local newspaper – in this case prior permission will be sought. If you do not wish for your photograph to be taken during the event then you will have the opportunity to decline permission at registration. Facilities We thank Taunton School for the use of their excellent facilities. Toilets/ changing rooms for competitors are in the Prep School Sports Hall building. Additional toilets are in Centenary Hall. Refreshments will be available in the Centenary Hall Code of conduct for Parents/Carers ·∙ Encourage your child to learn the rules and play within them, ·∙ Discourage unfair play and arguing with officials. ·∙ Help your child to recognise good performance, not just results. ·∙ Set a good example by recognising fair play and applauding the ·∙ good performances of everyone. ·∙ Never punish or belittle a child for losing or making mistakes. ·∙ Publicly accept officials' judgements. ·∙ Support your child's involvement and help them to enjoy their sport ·∙ Use correct and proper language at all times. Thank you To Taunton School for hosting and subsidising this event. To the pupils and staff of Taunton School for helping to marshal this event, to the race series sponsors Francis Clark, and to members of Somerset RC Tri club for giving their time and hard work to organise and marshal the event.