FAQ

Q. Will you send me information in advance?

A. If you are a UK resident, once you have entered we will send you by post your race number, timing chip & race information pack. Race information packs will be available for download on the website prior to the event. If you are an overseas entrant your pack will be available for collection from Race Information on event weekend.

Q. What is included in my race pack?

A. You will receive the following items:

• Race number
• Timing chip (attached to number)
• Event Information booklet

Q. Why haven’t I received my entry pack?

A.Race information packs are being sent in batches via the first class post. If you entered after Sunday 8th August you will need to collect your pack on race day from the Race Information Cabin.

If you entered before 8th August and you have not received your information pack by Tuesday 17th August please email info@eventsofthenorth.com

Q. What do I do if I lose my runner number?

A. If you realise prior to the event, let us know via email or telephone and we can arrange for another number to be sent to you in advance for a small admin fee. If it is too late to post a number to you we will arrange for a new number which will be available for collection from Race Information on Event Day.

Q. Do I have to collect sponsorship? Is there a minimum I must collect?

A. It is not mandatory to run for a charity or collect sponsorship, this is completely your choice. If you would like to run a charity our official charity partner will be announced soon, please email us to request a fundraising pack. Once appointed we will send your details to our charity partner and you’ll be contacted with fundraising advice, but no minimum raise will be requested.

Q. Where does my sponsorship and entry fee money go?

A. All monies raised for your chosen charity should be sent direct to that charity.

Your entry fee contributes to the running of the event and pays for all the site infrastructure, equipment, T-shirts, medals and prizes.

Q. Can I take part in the event but donate my sponsorship to an alternative charity?

A. Yes.  Every runner is free to make their own choice if they would like to run for a personal charity close to them.  Where you decide to donate is up to you.

Q. Is there somewhere that I can park my car?

A. Full car parking details will be updated nearer the event, there will be limited specific parking sign posted as EVENT CAR PARKING. There are additional car parks within a mile of the start that will be open for runners; Please see below link to a full city centre parking.

https://www.newcastle.gov.uk/parking-roads-and-transport/parking/car-parks-and-on-street-parking

There is a good public transport service operating within a few minutes’ walk of the start. Metros will be running to Gateshead and Newcastle city centres. National train service will also be running to Newcastle central station.

Parking in the city is limited, so we’re encouraging as many people as possible to use public transport

Q. I don’t drive – can I get to the venue by public transport?

A. Newcastle Monument Metro and Newcastle central Stations are the closest to the start and finish area for the 5k, 10k and sprint duathlon. St James Metro Station is close to the start area of the sprint and super sprint triathlon.

Q. If I have been sent my race number, do I need to register on the day?

A. 10K and 5K runners do not need to register on the day. Assemble at the start 20 minutes before your race start time, wearing your race number (incorporates your timing chip) and join the crowds by the start line.

Sprint triathlon and super sprint triathlon please go to TRANSITION 1 (LEAZES PARK) to register and check-in your bike. Sprint Duathlon please go to TRANSITION 2 (QUAYSIDE) to register and check-in your bike. Entry to transition will be closed 20 minutes prior to start, please leave enough time to get from transition to the start line.

Q. What if I forget my race number?

A. Please go to RACE INFORMATION at the venue. One of the team will check your entry and issue you with an alternative race number.

 Q. What time does the race start? Subject to change – please keep an eye on the website and event emails in the run up to event day.

The Junior events will be held first, with approximate start times around 09:00. Please check your race information pack for confirmed timings.

The 5K, 10K, Sprint Duathlon will start at 09.30

The Sprint and Super-Sprint Triathlons will be starting at 09.45

Q. Roughly how long will it take to complete the course?

A. We would expect the majority of runners to complete the:

5K: 15 minutes – 45 minutes

10k: 30 minutes – 1 hour 40 minutes

Sprint Duathlon: 1 hour – 2 hours

Super-Sprint Triathlon: 30 minutes – 1 hour

Super Triathlon: 1 hour – 2 hours 45 mins

Remember – it’s not a race…. you can take your time.

Q. Does the course go on any public roads with traffic?

A. Yes the course does take you along public roads, but they will all be closed/segregated to traffic for the duration of the race.

Q. How will I know which way to go?

A. There will be course signage and marshals at all key junctions to ensure you don’t get lost.

Q. Will there be any refreshments?

A. Water stations will be available throughout the route for all runners and each runner will be provided with water on completion of the course.

Isotonic energy drinks will be available during the duathlon and triathlons.

Q. I’m injured can’t run what should I do?

A. Oh no and after all that hard work too! We are sorry you are missing out on the event.

Please contact info@eventsofthenorth.com to inform the event team of your withdrawal.

DO NOT PASS YOUR RACE NUMBER on to anyone else, it potentially puts them at a medical risk, we have no medical information or emergency contact details for them. The entry fee is non-transferable and non-refundable, however there could be the possibility of deferring your entry to the following year on production of an official letter from your doctor or physio. The deadline for medical deferrals is 4 weeks prior to the race date.

Q. What happens if it rains?

Some of the most successful events have happened in the rain. Our events will only be cancelled if there are severe weather conditions. Make sure you are suitably dressed for the event. If it is drizzling or cold in the morning bring a bin bag to put over your head it will keep you warmer and dry before you set off.

Q. How difficult will the course be?

Take a look at the event information on the website which has a map of the route and a course description. The courses have been designed to be fast and as flat as possible, this will make it great for those wanting to post a fast time and also for those first timers too!

Q. Do I have to run the course?

A. We advise participants to run/jog/cycle or combine that with fast walking because of the length of time it would take to walk the course. However, there is no restriction at all if you would like to enter and walk. Please make sure you mention this on your entry form or contact the event team. You’ll be positioned accordingly on the start line.

Q. What facilities will be available?

A. Toilets will be provided at the start/finish and at each water station on the route. Refreshments will also be available in the start/finish area for runners and spectators at a cost. Secure bag drop marquee will be available for all runners. First aid and sports massage are located at the start/finish. Unfortunately we are unable to provide showers or changing facilities.

Q. When will I get my finish time?

A. Your race will be chip timed.  The timing chip will give you an accurate start and finish time, so there’s no rush to be first over the start line when the gun goes!

Q. I need to collect my race number on the day where do I collect it from?

A. You must collect your race number from Race Information at least 45 minutes before the start of the race.

Q. Can someone take my place?

A. No. For health and safety reasons we need to ensure that the event organiser has all the details of the runners on the day in case of a medical incident. This is also against UK Athletics and British Triathlon rules.

Q. Can my dog run alongside me?

A. For health and safety reasons we cannot allow any pets to participate in any of the events.

Q. Can I wear headphones and earphones?

A. For safety reasons, any such items are not permitted to wear during the event

Q. How can I get in touch with someone if I have further questions?

A. You can email your questions to info@eventsofthenorth.com 

Q. Can I volunteer at the event?

A. Yes. We’re looking for a large team of volunteers to help us with the delivery of the event. Please register you interest by emailing volunteers@eventsofthenorth.com

Q. Why is there an entry fee?

A. The entry fee covers all the unavoidable administrative and organisational costs that make sure the events are safe and enjoyable.

Q. I can’t run the race now can I have a refund?

A. Your entry fee is invested in the cost of staging the event with the fees covering contractors, suppliers and administration costs.  The entry fee is non-transferable and non-refundable, however there could be the possibility of deferring your entry to the following year on production of an official letter from your doctor or physio. The deadline for medical deferrals is 4 weeks prior to the race date.

Q. Why is there an age limit?

A. Unfortunately, due to health and safety, UKA and BTF rules and legal reasons, we cannot accept entries from under 16s in the 10k or under 15s in the duathlon and triathlons.

12 to 16 year olds can however enter the 5K. And 7 – 15 year olds can enter the Junior events.

Q. How secure is the event website?

A. This website is on a secure server. All the transactional areas of the website including entering events, paying in sponsorship and donating use industry standard 1024 bit SSL encryption.

Q. Is there a running community out there training for the event?

A. We have a great following on Facebook and Twitter. There are regulars chatting about the event and sharing training tips. Come and join us.

Q. I am a local resident, how is this going to impact me?

A.  To ensure the safety of all runners there will be road closures in place throughout the city which may affect you.  In due course there will be a full traffic management schedule posted on the website and you will receive information about road closures and timings.  If you have any queries or concerns please contact info@eventsofthenorth.com or call 01434 689040

Q. How can I get involved?

A. If you don’t want to run but would like to be involved we are looking for a large team of volunteers to help us with the delivery of the event. Please register you interest by e-mailing info@eventsofthenorth.com

Run clubs, charities and groups: Key areas such as a water station or busy road junction will need a small team of volunteers. We invite your club or group to ‘own’ one of these key areas. Work as a team and take responsibility for an area. Bring along club flags or branding and collect for charity.

Q. How can I get in touch with someone if I have further questions?

A. You can email your questions to info@eventsofthenorth.com or call 01434 689040

Q. I would like to offer a discount over the event weekend as I think I may be able to attract some additional business, can you help?

A. Great idea and with an additional 2500 runners plus their support in the City it is an ideal opportunity to maximise on sales. We would love to help communicate what you would like to offer. Please keep the offer simple. Email info@eventsofthenorth.com with your business details, contact details and the offer you would like promoted. We will be in touch and start communicating through our Social Media.

Q. I have a business on the route where the roads are closed, this is going to impact me.

A. We appreciate that the event may inconvenience certain residents or businesses. We are operating a rolling road closure programme designed with and approved by Gateshead and Newcastle Councils and as such will impact individuals for the shortest time possible to ensure the safety of those participating in the event. All businesses affected by the event will receive an information leaflet explaining which roads are closed, for how long and how you move round.

Q. How do I find out about Road Closures?

A full road closure schedule will be posted online when it has been signed off by Newcastle and Gateshead councils.  Disruption will be kept to a minimum and a rolling road closure and reopening schedule will be in place on the day.

Q. Are there any rules for the bike leg? Yes please see the below Cycling Limitation rules set out by British Triathlon

“A competitor is not permitted to, Block other competitors, Cycle with a bare torso, Make forward progress without being in possession of the bike, Use a different bike during the competition than the one checked-in, Draft off another competitor or vehicle in a draft-illegal race, Dispose of litter on the course, unless in specified littering zones provided by the Event Organiser. b.)

“Dangerous Behaviour, Competitors must obey the specific traffic regulations for the event, unless the Event Organiser advises otherwise, Competitors leaving the field of play for safety reasons have to return to it without gaining any advantage. If advantage is gained due to this action, the competitor will receive a time penalty, Dangerous riding may result in a penalty. This includes but is not limited to passing another competitor on the wrong side, Competitors must ensure that his or her cycle is in a safe and roadworthy condition. Unsafe cycles will not be allowed to start the race. During the event, competitors are individually responsible for the repair of their machines, Competitors must wear and have clearly visible the official race number, facing backwards, Competitors must follow the prescribed cycle route.”

Please refer to the British Triathlon site in order to check whether or not your bike adheres to the rules: https://www.britishtriathlon.org/britain/documents/events/competition-rules/british-triathlon-competition-rules-2019.pdf

Q. Is this a draft-legal or draft illegal triathlon/duathlon?

This is a Draft-Illegal event. Any drafting can result in disqualification Rules as set out by British Triathlon include the following:

“Drafting is forbidden of another competitor or motor vehicle. Competitors must reject attempts by others to draft; (ii) A competitor is entitled to any position on the course, provided they get to that position first and without contacting others. When taking a position, a competitor must allow reasonable space for others to make normal movements without making contact. Adequate space must be available before passing; (iii) A competitor who approaches from any position to take advantage of the draft, bears responsibility for avoiding the draft; (iv) To draft is to enter the bicycle or vehicle drafting zone:

• Sprint distance: the bicycle draft zone will be 10 metres long measured from the leading edge of the front wheel. A competitor may enter the draft zone of another competitor, but must be seen to be progressing through that zone. A maximum of 20 seconds will be allowed to pass through the zone of another competitor”

Q. How do I proceed through the transition area?

A. Please refer to rules set out by British Triathlon in order to pass through transition in a safe manner

https://www.britishtriathlon.org/britain/documents/events/competition-rules/british-triathlon-competition-rules-2019.pdf

Q. Do I have to wear bike shoes? 

A. If you are used to and are comfortable wearing bike shoes for the cycle leg you can do so, however we would not recommend wearing them if you have not practised before hand. You are allowed to use cage pedals and ride in your running trainers.

Q. Do I have to wear a helmet?

A. Yes all competitors must be wearing a fastened helmet at all times when they are in control of their bike.

Q. How will I know where my bike is in transition?

A. Bike racks will be numbered. On arrival to transition locate your numbered area and kit box and remember where this is in relation to the entry and exit routes.

Q. Do I need a wetsuit?

Our event follows British Triathlon rules and use of wetsuit is dependent on the temperature of the water one hour before race start. Wetsuits will be compulsory if the temperature is below 14C. Wetsuits are optional when the temperature is between 14C-22C. Wetsuits are banned when the water temperature is above 22C.

Q. Do I need a swimming cap?

Yes however we will provide you with a swimming cap in your race pack.

Q. What if the water is too cold?

If the water temperature is below 11.9C (this is highly unlikely in summer time) we will shorten the swim(s) to 500 metres. If the temperature is below 11C the swim will be cancelled.

Q. Is the water safe to swim in?

The water quality has been tested to make sure it is safe to swim in. The event has been passed by the regional director of public health after viewing our water test results. We will be testing the water periodically leading up to the event to monitor the water quality.

Q. Do I have to swim a particular stroke?

Any swim stroke can be used.

Q. Where should I wear my race number when swimming?

Your race number should only be used for the bike and run sectors, we will provide you with a transfer of your number which you will have to print onto your swim cap prior to the event.

Q. Is it possible to practise the swim course before the event?

Yes, but only at one of our designated training sessions. Please do not attempt to practise the swim in your own time; swimming in Leazes Park is prohibited outside of event times. Make sure you follow our social media for more info regarding our pre-event triathlon training sessions.

Q. How does transition work?

All swimmers will enter transition 1 and prepare for their bike sector, please make sure you have adhered to the British Triathlon rules (https://www.britishtriathlon.org/competitionrules) and exit via the ‘Bike out’ gate. Once you have finished your bike leg you will enter transition 2 via the ‘Bike In’ gate. Get your trainers on and head out on your run leg and you will have successfully navigated your way through transition. A full guide and maps of our transitions will be available in your race pack prior to the event.