THE LAKESMAN – HALF
19th June 2022
THE HALF SWIM
1.9KM (1.2M)
DERWENT WATER
A mass start beginning slightly further South down the lake athletes will follow the full course orange buoys until they reach a double height Yellow buoy after approx 430 meters. At this point half athletes will turn right. A further two double height yellow buoys appear at which point athletes will again turn right and begin to follow the full course orange buoys again until the finish.
The views from the lake are amazing so spare a second during the race to take a look. After the swim there is a short carpeted spectator lined run to transition, which is adjacent to theatre by the lake.
THE HALF BIKE 90KM (56m)
We believe that this is a simply superb route for a 56 mile triathlon bike course.
Athletes will take in several miles of well-known local time trial routes as well as more undulating sections, all on generally excellent road surfaces. Whilst not flat, we have minimised the elevation as far as possible and at 2500ft isn’t majorly arduous
Departing Keswick and heading immediately west you will see one of England’s highest mountains, Skiddaw to your right followed very quickly by Bassenthwaite Lake. The course makes good use of the A66 at a time of day when traffic is light, travelling towards Cockermouth before heading south west on to the A5086.
This undulating section affords stunning views of the Lakeland fells to your left before a right turn at Lamplugh takes The Half athletes away from the full course for the first time. Taking in the picturesque villages of Ullock, and Branthwaite before meeting the full course again at Distington.
An out and back section on the A595 brings the course back north, and a flat and fast section between Distington and Cockermouth promises to be one of the quickest parts of the course, as riders should get the benefit of the prevailing south westerly wind. After leaving Cockermouth utilizing the full course route again the Lakeland fells come into view once more.
Heading back to Keswick on the A66 ready to begin the half marathon.
56miles of superb Cumbrian countryside with the potential for some quick times.
THE HALF RUN
3 x 4.35m
We feel this multi lap half marathon course has everything, breath taking views, a virtually flat profile and the potential for great spectator support.
Leaving transition the route takes in some little known hidden areas of the town before heading North on the Cumbrian Way. On the approach to Portinscale the mighty Skiddaw comes into view in all its 3,053ft of glory – overlooking and protecting Keswick in equal measure. The route then utilises the A5721 for an out and back section, which is closed to traffic allowing athletes the chance to keep tabs on their competitors and also enjoy support from friends and family without worrying about cars.
The route then heads back towards Keswick town centre, once again passing through Keswick Rugby Club before crossing The Heads where the breathtaking lake view reappears.
Dropping down towards Hope Park athletes must complete five loops before entering the magical red carpet finish chute where you will all hear words that make it all worthwhile: “You Are a Lakesman”.
Race HQ and transition
All functions for the race weekend will be based at Keswick Theatre by The Lake. Event HQ, Medical tents, Transition tents and racking etc will be erected in the car park adjacent to Crow Park and the theatre. Please be advised no parking will be available here from Friday 18th June at Midnight.
Athletes are advised that the exact location of each function will be displayed by way of map closer to the event date.