Vachery Triathlon Festival 21st July

On Sunday 21 July, The Vachery Estate near Cranleigh organised Surrey’s first major triathlon sports festival. Over 1,500 triathletes of all abilities were competing. There was 3 distances you could choose from. First was Middle distance (70.3), second was Standard distance (Olympic) and third was SuperSprint. I decided to do SuperSprint distance.

The Vachery SuperSprint Distance Triathlon is 400m swim, 15km (9.5m) cycle and 5km (3m) run.
 
Part of this festival was camping and you could do it from Friday evening. Saturday evening they hosted a pre-race pasta party. Sunday morning they served an energy packed breakfast menu including porridge, cereal, toast, juices tea, coffee and much more. Competitors started early on Sunday morning. I wanted to drive there with my friend Gaby as my starting time was 9 am. As soon as we got there we heard live commentary and music as well as cheering supporters and spectators. We arrived around 7:30 am to register. We also received news that is would be a ´non wetsuit swim´. I had never done a race without my wetsuit and I was hoping that was not going to affect my swim time. Usually you are faster with wetsuit as you better float on the water. On the other hand the smell of breakfast was wafting around the area and I was tempted to have second one.
 
My race began with a single lap (400m) swim in Vachery Pond. It was surrounded by woods and covered water lilies and water grass. At some parts the grass was so thick that I had to use my breaststroke technique. Despite this difficulty I enjoyed it. It was a good challenge.

As we exit the water and we run to the transition area where we changed from swim to bike. We cycled through the Surrey Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty. We completed only one lap. Luckily some roads were closed. There was one food and drink station for our route.

The race finished with an off road run and it started from The Vachery Estate along Knowle Lane and back. There was a single drink station for this lap to. I always carry my energy nutrition with me so I didn't need to top up.

Over all there was a great atmosphere with lots of fun! I ended up 5th in my age group out of 9th. I was slowest on my swim but fastest on the run. I would recommend this triathlon race as it is a very good challenge. So maybe I will see you there next year!  ;0)