Minehead Sprint Triathlon

Distance: Sprint (750m sea swim, 20km bike, 5km run)

Location: Minehead, Somerset

Ratings: 

• Overall - 4/5 Great location for an event and well organised. 
• Location - 5/5 Great location on the edge of Exmoor with views over the Bristol channel 
• Price - 3/5 Normal price - £45 for BTF members
• PB potential - 1/5 Not a PB route - Sea Swim and hilly bike and run courses
• Organisation - 4/5 V well organised given the challenging circumstances

On Sunday 11th October, I took part in what would be my first and last race of the 2020 calendar. This year has had a significant impact on the way we all live our lives, so it was nice to still have the opportunity to enter a triathlon before the end of the season. 

The event (https://www.channelevents.co.uk/minehead-triathlon/) is run by Channel Events and starts from Minehead, which is on the north Somerset coast, about 25 miles from Taunton. The event includes a 750m sea swim, which is two laps of  a 375m loop, which includes an Australian exit between laps. The bike course takes you on out and back hilly route along the A39. The 5km run follows the south west coastal path out and back with a hilly loop at the far end of the course, including a Strava segment challenge for the climb. 

The views on the course are fantastic and despite being late in the season the weather held up well. Channel Events did an excellent job of organising the event. They staggered the registration times of the 134 participants in groups over the morning, which helped to reduce crowding in the transition area while people were racking their bikes and setting themselves for the race. 

Everyone set-off from the beach in 10 second intervals queuing 2m apart in order to maintain social distancing, and dead transitions were used to allow people to take their time to social distance between disciplines without worrying about their race time. While we were encouraged not to bring spectators due to COVID-19, there was a large and vocal team of volunteers providing support across the whole course who helped to keep everything running smoothly. 

My main aim for the race was to enjoy it. I found the sea swim tough, having not been in the sea this year, and didn’t really get warmed up on the bike until 5km in. I felt good on the run, and it was nice to finish on the beach. I’d certainly recommend this event to other members for future years, whether COVID restrictions are still in place or gone. There was a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and the route treats you to some great views of the North Somerset coast and Exmoor. 

https://www.relive.cc/view/vxOQnJYQJM6