13/07/2010 - Humbert Challenge Update 2
The time is flying by and its only now 12 days until the start of the inaugural Humbert Challenge Triathlon! Many of you are in taper mode while the rest of us are trying our best to fit in the last long bike ride or last long run before the big day! Entries have now closed and we are delighted with the uptake so thanks to you all again for supporting us in our first year!

Aid Stations
Due to lots of feedback we have decided to have four aid stations on the run and one aid station on the bike. The bike aid station will only stock bottles of water while the 3 run aid stations will stock a electrolyte and carbohydrate isotonic sport drink (Powerbar Energize Berry Drink), water, banana’s and orange segments. The bike aid station will be located 25 miles into the route and the four run stations will be evenly spaced out over the 21km. The exact location of each of the four run aid stations will be available at the time of registration.

Race Numbers
There will be different coloured race numbers to distinguish individual entrants and relay entrants. There will also be different coloured wrist bands for both type of entrant. In addition while the swim will be a mass start there will be different coloured swim hats to distinguish weaker from stronger swimmers.

Race Cut Off
Because of the nature of the event, marshalls are being asked to spend long hours on the roads. Without their assistance this race could not happen. To avoid unnecessary delays and to ensure the race finishes before the meals end and the prize giving ceremony begins, there will be cut off times for each discipline. For the 9am race mass start participants must be finished each discipline by the following times:

Swim – 10.15am
Bike – 2.30pm
Run – 5.30pm

One Day Licenses:
Finally and most importantly, if you are not a full Triathlon Ireland member, a One Day License must be purchased before midnight on Thursday 22nd July at the latest in order to participate. No licenses can be issued on the day of the event. No license - No start!!

For info on one day licenses and to purchase one, please visit the Triathlon Ireland website.

Event Registration
Please note registration for the race will take place between 4pm and 10pm Saturday 24th July in the Gateway Hotel, Main Street, Swinford. Please note the change of venue from that previously advertised.

Finally, best of luck in the last few days of training and we look forward to meeting you all at event registration the evening of the 24th July.

A final race pack with all relevant race info will be sent out to participants no later than Thursday 22nd July.

Yours in Tri,
The Humbert Challenge Team

13/07/2010 - Humbert Challenge Update 1
It’s not long now until the start of the inaugural Humbert Challenge Triathlon! We hope your training is progressing well and you are making the most of the fine weather the past number of weeks!

First off we would like to thank all of you who have signed up and supported us to date. We know too well there is now a plethora of events being held around the country and we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for supporting us in our inaugural year. We aim to reward your support through staging a professionally run, memorable and unique event the last Sunday in July!

As you can imagine we have been very busy finalising last minute details for the upcoming race. Preparations are coming along nicely. We will be sending out several email circulars in the lead up to the event to keep you updated with our own preparations.

Swim Route Measured
Over the past week we have measured out the 1.9km swim section. Picture below gives you an idea of the route. The route is c. 300 metres to the first buoy where you then swing right and head towards the island in the middle of the lake (c. 800 metres), circumnavigate the island and return to the original entry point (c. 800 metres). The island serves as a very effective sighting point for those prone to drifting off course! There is an excellent vantage point overlooking the lake for any supporters that may be there to cheer you on! The lake is well sheltered so expect calm conditions on race day. Water temperatures are currently a very comfortable 17 degrees.

Cycle and Run Route
The Bike and Run route has also been mapped out and the picture below gives you a rough idea of the route. Please note that the finish area is c. 4 miles from transition. A bus service from the finish area to transition will depart the finish area every 15 minutes so that participants can be brought back to collect their bikes/cars.

Race Numbers and Suggestions
After some feedback we have decided to use different coloured race numbers for those taking part in the relay event and those taking part in the individual event. This will hopefully help the spirits of the individual entrants if they are passed by a fresh legged cyclist/runner taking part in the relay event!

Relay Entries almost full
There has been a large level of interest in the relay event so much so that we have almost reached the capacity for relay entries. If you know of anybody who is thinking of signing up as part of a relay team can you please get them to do so asap. You can sign up at www.swinfordtrisports.com. Entries for both relay and individual events will close the 11th July or sooner if the limit for each race is reached.

Event Registration
Please note registration for the race will take place between 4pm and 10pm Saturday 24th July in the Gateway Hotel, Main Street, Swinford. Please note the change of venue. Further details will issue closer to the event date.

One Day Licenses:
Finally and most importantly, if you are not a full Triathlon Ireland member, a One Day License must be purchased before midnight on Thursday 22nd July at the latest in order to participate. No licenses can be issued on the day of the event. No license - No start!! For info on one day licenses and to purchase one, please visit the Triathlon Ireland website.

Our aim is to make The Humbert Challenge a unique and memorable experience for all those who sign up. We are open to all of your suggestions as regards the running of the event so if you think of anything (however small) that you think will improve or make the event more enjoyable please feel free to hit reply to this email and passing on your suggestions. Check out our forum on www.swinfordtrisports.com where you can put up any queries/suggestions/observations that you may have.

Hoping the few days are productive and injury free for you! Next update will follow shortly.