The new Fabian4 Dyffryn Conwy Mountain Triathlon is a mountain challenge in the format of a triathlon, that will suit all round mountain athletes as well as specialists who wish to enter as a team.
The event, set for 30 September in Snowdonia, is being organised by a group of local enthusiasts, all experienced race organisers and competitors, who have put together a race comprising the three disciplines of open-estuary kayaking, fell running and mountain biking; to create a journey from the sea to mountains, all set in a great location on the edge of Snowdonia National Park.
Leg 1: is a 13kms open-estuary & river kayak which starts below the walls of Conwy Castle. The route continues up the Conwy River on a fast rising tide, to the first transition at Dolgarrog Bridge.
Leg 2: is a 13kms trail/fell run, starting & finishing virtually at sea-level, but reaching an altitude of 500m. The route climbs from the river passing through and over the high mountain valleys and ridges of Cowlyd & Crafnant. It has a real mountain feel with views to match. The leg finishes with a transition at the event centre at Nant Conwy Rugby Club.
Leg 3: is an 18kms mountain bike race, starting and finishing at the event centre. The route is mostly within the Gwydir Forest above the town of Llanwrst, and incorporates sections of the well known Marin Trail mountain bike route. Much of the route is on fast forestry tracks, but there are sufficient hard-core single-track sections to make this a technical challenge.
The event Centre is at Nant Conwy Rugby Club's new club house, which has a bar and dining area with a terrace overlooking the run/bike transition.
The profits will be donated to the Snowdonia Society, which is working and campaigning to conserve Snowdonia National Park.
The event is run by non-commercial event organisers, relying on local volunteer help, and if it is a success, they hope that the race will become an annual event.
Their aim is to encourage a broad a participation as possible, especially amongst local athletes, but if you don't fancy entering, then perhaps volunteer to marshal?
Further details at http://www.map17events.org.uk/
Online entry only, provided by their main sponsor, Fabian 4 Ltd, at http://www.fabian4.co.uk/default.aspx?EventID=621
