{"id":23154,"date":"2023-06-01T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-01T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.220triathlon.com\/?p=6421"},"modified":"2023-06-01T14:39:57","modified_gmt":"2023-06-01T12:39:57","slug":"blenheim-palace-triathlon-race-info-tips-and-training-advice","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/220triathlon\/rss_feed\/blenheim-palace-triathlon-race-info-tips-and-training-advice\/","title":{"rendered":"Blenheim Palace Triathlon: Race info, tips and training advice"},"content":{"rendered":"

Want to know what to expect at one of the UK\u2019s biggest triathlons? RG Active\u2019s Phil Paterson has all the info you need to conquer the course <\/p>

By 220 Triathlon Team\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Thursday, 01 June 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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Since its first outing in 2005, the Blenheim Palace Triathlon has been a \u2018must-do\u2019 event on the UK tri scene. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Set against the majestic backdrop of Blenheim Palace, the race sees over 7,000 athletes traverse the historic grounds over the weekend for the super sprint- or sprint-distance races.<\/p>\n

A major part of the attraction of the event is its stunning scenery, but the Blenheim Palace Triathlon also offers an inclusive and beginner-friendly route into triathlon.<\/p>\n

With two different triathlon distances<\/strong><\/a> and the option of taking part alongside friends in a relay event, the Blenheim Palace Triathlon appeals both to newcomers and experienced triathletes.<\/p>\n

When is the Blenheim Palace Triathlon?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
The Blenheim Palace Triathlon takes place from 3-4 June 2023.<\/p>\n
Where do the races take place?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
The event is held at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire. It\u2019s thought to be the only triathlon in the world, which takes place in the grounds of a UNESCO World Heritage site.<\/p>\n
How many events are on offer?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
There are four events to choose from:<\/p>\n
Super sprint: 400m swim, 13.3km bike, 2.9km run\nSprint: 750m swim, 19.8km bike, 5.4km run\nSprint relay: 750m swim, 19.8km bike, 5.4km run (team of 2 or 3 people)\nWeekend Warrior: The aim is to complete as many back-to-back (super-sprint or sprint) triathlons as you can in one weekend, see below for more information.<\/p>\n
How does the Weekend Warrior event work?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Competitors complete the course that\u2019s currently active. So, for example, the Blenheim schedule is Sprint first then Super Sprint second. If Weekend Warrior competitors go off during a Sprint wave, they do the Sprint course. Later in the day, they will do Super Sprints.<\/p>\n
Athletes are informed when they get back to the swim start, and are also told the last time they can start a Sprint and the last time they can start a Super Sprint.<\/p>\n
Competitors can only compete during competition hours only. They can set off no later than five minutes after the final wave of the day.<\/p>\n
Most people who participate are seasoned athletes, but, of course, towards the end of day two some participants might alternate between running and walking<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s the Blenheim course like?<\/strong><\/h2>\n $\""blenheim-triathlon-course-map"\"$ <\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n
Top tips for racing Blenheim<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe Blenheim Palace Triathlon begins with a lake swim so you\u2019ll need to learn to use a wetsuit<\/strong><\/a> to your advantage. Because of the extra buoyancy in the suit\u2019s hips and legs your kick becomes less about position in the water and more about propulsion.<\/p>\n
In other words, you can relax more with your kick and focus on your technique and hip rotation.<\/p>\n
Get some open-water swims in before race day and do some single-arm drills (see session 1, below) to help you dial in your rotation for bilateral breathing<\/strong><\/a> and also work on your sighting (see race session 2).<\/p>\n
From sea swims to rivers and lakes: Conquer any open-water challenge<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
Open water fears: overcome lake swim panic attacks<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>
<\/p><\/div> <\/section>
Blenheim\u2019s bike course might not have any challenging climbs or tight technical sections but it can still catch you out. Cattle grids and lawns that run right up to the tarmac mean you need to pay attention while you\u2019re flying around the course\u2019s sweeping bends.<\/p>\n

Cycling: how to corner fast and smoothly<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>
<\/p><\/div> <\/section>
There\u2019ll also be a very wide range of abilities out there, so take care when you\u2019re overtaking other athletes.<\/p>\n
To get you through the final run leg you\u2019ll need good aerobic fitness but also the ability to change pace and work at different intensities. For that you\u2019ll need to do some interval sessions<\/strong><\/a> (see session 3).<\/p>\n
These are a really good way to develop a feel for pacing your effort so you can reel in any rivals or stay on track to post a new PB. Without that there\u2019s a chance you might set off too hard and blow before you cross the finish.<\/p>\n
How to pace your first sprint-distance triathlon<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
What is a good running pace?<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>
<\/p><\/div> <\/section>
Blenheim is a fast race so while fitness is key, there\u2019s time to be saved in transition. As such, brick sessions<\/strong><\/a> (see session 4) are vital to ensure you can get your wetsuit off quickly and switch from cycling to running smoothly.<\/p>\n
Training sessions<\/strong><\/h2>\n
$\""Athletes\"$ <\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>