The Lakesman - Half
Sunday 18th June 2023
Welcome to the Lakesman Half Triathlon 2023 – the ultimate test of endurance set against the backdrop of Cumbria’s breathtaking natural beauty. We’re excited to announce that our comprehensive Athlete Guide for this year’s event is now available! Designed to support you for this years event weekend, it’s packed with essential timings, route details, rules and regulations, and a wealth of other valuable information for entrants and spectators. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned triathlete, this guide is your key to navigating the race and enhancing your Lakesman experience. Download it today and let’s prepare for a thrilling challenge together!
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
A change in route for 2023 due to Highways works affecting the existing routes.
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 onwards towards the former steel town of Workington.
Once nearly at Workington a left turn onto another fast section along the A595, before going inland and visiting the pretty little villages of Branthwaite, Dean and Ullock.
An out and back section on the A595 brings the course eventually back towards the north and the A66 ready for a super quick return to Keswick. This is a time trialists dream on the A66, this final section along Bassenthwaite Lake is stunning.
A short trip through Keswick town centre completes your 56 mile bike route around the superb Cumbrian countryside, with the potential for some quick times.
A beautiful run course awaits you on your return to T2
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 registration will be based at Keswick Rugby Club along with Event HQ, Medical tents, Finish Line and Hospitality area. Transition and racking will be erected in the car park adjacent to Crow Park and the Theatre by the Lake.
Athletes are advised that the exact location of each function will be displayed by way of map closer to the event date.