Dyffryn Conwy Mountain Tri returns

North Wales to host unique kayaking, fell running and mountain biking triathlon after successful 2012 event

Published: May 7, 2013 at 12:41 pm

After the success of the inaugural event last year, the Dyffryn Conwy Mountain Triathlon is happening again in 2013 with a later start time to suite the tide. It is a mountain challenge that will suit all round mountain athletes, as well as specialists who wish to enter as a team.

The format is that of a mountain triathlon with the three disciplines of kayaking, fell running and mountain biking, to create a magnificent journey from the sea to mountains, all set in a stunning location on the edge of the National Park.

Here are the details from the organisers…

Where: Nant Conwy Rugby Club, Trefriw, North Wales, LL26 0PW

When: Sunday, 8th September, 2013, 11:30am

Solo or teams

Leg 1: a 13k open-estuary & river kayak, which starts below the walls of Conwy Castle and proceeds up the Conwy River on a fast rising tide, to the first transition at Dolgarrog Bridge.

Leg 2: a 13k trail/fell run, starting & finishing virtually at sea-level, but reaching an altitude of almost 500m. It has a real mountain feel with views to match, especially when crossing the high ridge between Llyn Cowlyd and Crafnant. The leg finishes along the Trefriw Trail leading to the transition at Nant Conwy Rugby Club.

Leg 3: a c.19k mountain bike race, starting and finishing at the event centre. The route is mostly within the Gwydir Forest above Llanwrst, and incorporates sections of the well-known Marin Trail mountain bike route. The route is being modified from last year to include more single track (subject to permission). Some of the route will be on fast forestry tracks, but there are sufficient hard-core single-track sections to make this a technical challenge. Cyclo-cross bikes are NOT recommended for this leg.

The event centre is Nant Conwy Rugby Club’s clubhouse, which offers very impressive new facilities. These include a bar/dining area with a terrace overlooking the stage 2 transition, free Wi-Fi, hot showers/loos, projection facilities for the live results service, plenty of parking and areas to camp. The venue is perfect, and a great place for spectators as well as competitors.

Our sponsors should ensure a great selection of prizes for all category winners, as well as for the teams.

The profits will be donated to the Snowdonia Society, which is working and campaigning to conserve Snowdonia National Park, from which we are all fortunate enough to benefit, in so many ways.

We are non-commercial event organisers, relying on local volunteer help.

Further details, plus testimonials from last year's event, as well as race reports and photos, can be found at the event website: www.map17events.org.uk/

Image: Alastair Tye (fellrunningpictures.co.uk)