FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND THEIR ANSWERS

Q: How much does it cost to enter?

2027 prices are available here: 2027 ENTRIES

Price rises on 1st Nov 2026, and 1st Feb 2027

Q: What are the distances?

• Half Distance (swim 1.2 miles, cycle 56 miles and run 13.1 miles)
• Aquabike (swim 1.2 miles, cycle 56 miles)
• Triathlon Races can also be entered as a relay team of 3 people.

• 50K Ultra Trail Run: 48.1km
• 28K Trail Run: 28km

Q. Why is there no full distance event?

Q: How do I enter?

A: You can enter via this website

Q: What is included in the entry fee?

• The Northumbrian Cycling Jersey / running t-shirt
• Swim Cap (tri only)
• Electronic Chip Timing
• On Course Support
• On Course Nutrition
• Medal and Finisher’s Goodybag

Q: Is there a minimum age?

A: Yes, athletes must be 18 or over on race day for all events except the 50K trail which has a minimum age of 20.

Q: How many people can enter in the relay?

A: 3 members in a team

Q: Does my support crew have to enter?

A: No

Q: Is the race drafting?

A: No, this is a NON drafting event, Moto marshals will be in place along the bike route. For the full British Triathlon rules on drafting, click HERE.

Q: Are hand cycles allowed in the triathlon? 

A: Yes, as long as you are able to complete the course within the advertised cut off times

Q: Why are the distances different to the title names?

The race categories are based on the km-effort, a globally recognised formula for measuring the race distance in trail running by considering both the distance and elevation gain to calculate the perceived distance.

Q: What is a UTMB Index?

The UTMB Index is a numerical value used to measure the performance level of each runner based on different race categories (20K, 50K, 100K 100M). You acquire an index every time you complete a qualifying UTMB Index Race of which there are several thousand globally. For more details on how UTMB Index works, visit the website: https://utmb.world/sports-system

Q: Do I need a minimum UTMB Index or previous race experience to register?

You do not need to have a UTMB index to enter. We strongly recommend you have previous experience of distance trail running before registering for the 50K. We expect all participants to be confident in their ability to safely complete the route within the time limit.

Q. Do I need specific clothing and equipment for my race?

A: Yes, we have a mandatory kit list (including clothing and equipment) which each participant must have with them at all times during the race. You will need to show your mandatory kit at the event registration. If you do not have the mandatory kit, you will not receive your race bib and will not be allowed to compete. If you do not have an item of mandatory kit while on the course, you will be disqualified.

Q. Can I wear headphones for the race?

In ear or over ear headphones are strictly prohibited. Bone conduction headphones are permitted once the race has started. Please remove headphones for the race briefing. Please ensure you are able to hear marshal instructions, and surrounding noise at all times as you will be sharing the trail with other users.

Q: What is the schedule?

A: All triathlon races start at 6.15am on Sunday

Trail runs start at 8.45am on Saturday

(subject to change)

Q:  Can spectators take their car on course to follow athletes?

A: No as there is limited spectator access. You can see our recommended course viewing spots in the race guide which will be emailed to participants 2 weeks prior to the event.

Q: Can I use a hybrid/mountain bike for the triathlon?

A: Yes, however it would not be recommended. The bike route is all tarmac roads so we would recommend a road bike.

Q: Where can I park?

A: If arriving for registration on Saturday you can park at Greenside car park at Kielder Waterside while registering. Greenside car park will also be the designated event car park on event day. PLEASE NOTE THIS CAR PARK IS ON FORESTRY ENGLAND LAND AND OVERNIGHT PARKING/CAMPING IS NOT PERMITTED. Overnight parking for campervans/motorhomes is available at Kielder Castle car park.

Q: How do I get to the start area from the car park?

A: The event day car park is located at the top of Kielder Waterside; directions to the start are and transition will be clearly signposted. Please note it is approximately a 10 minute walk.

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

A: There is very limited public transport in the area. Please ensure you are able to make your own travel arrangement to the event for yourself and your bike before registering.

Q: Will there be food and drink on site?

A: There will be refreshments available at Kielder Waterside throughout the weekend.

Q: What facilities will be available?

A: Toilets will be provided at the start/finish and at each water station on the route. Secure bag drop marquee will also be available for all runners. First aid will be available at the start/finish. Unfortunately we are unable to provide showers. A changing tent will be available in transition for triathlon participants.

Q: Do all triathlon team members have to come to registration and event briefing?

A: Yes, it is advised that all participants register on Saturday from 1.00pm until 7.30pm. Transition will also be open to rack bike with security in place over night. Registration will be open from 04:30am on Sunday (race day), and the transition will close at 05:45am. Please ensure you have racked your bike before then.

Q: If a team relay member fails to make the course cut-off, can other team members still complete their own leg?

A: Yes. If the swimmer and/or cyclist does not complete their leg within the time constraints the other team members can still participate however the team result will be a DNF- Did Not Finish. Please refer to the Race Guide for the time cut-offs on each bike and run course.

Q. Am I allowed a support crew?

A: Yes – support crews on the run and bike routes MUST be stationary, however they are allowed to move from point to point. Support crews must not ride or run with competitors due to the nature of the course and medical resources. Your support crew may hand out bottles and food.

Q: What support will be there on the day?

A: We will have a designated swim safety team on the water for the entirety of the swim leg.

Local bike shop, Team Cycles, will have a roaming bike mechanic for the bike leg.

Marshals with radios will be at various points on the bike and run routes at aid stations and important points if you need assistance.

Q: What will be available at the aid stations?

A: Energy supplements, isotonic drinks and water.

Q: How will the transition zone work?

A: We will be operating a standard triathlon transition zone with enough space for you to lay out all of your kit. Please note, you cannot use a towel to mark out your space in Transition.

You are permitted a small soft bag in Transition to keep your kit in, any larger bags with post-race clothes will need to be put in our secure baggage storage for the duration of the race.

Q: Can I wear a smartwatch?

A: Yes, but only if the smartwatch is disconnected from your phone and all other communication functions are disabled.

Q: Can all relay team members cross the finish line at the same time?

A: Yes all team members are able to cross the finish line. Due to the narrow aspect of the course we can only allow this over the last 100m, we will have a waiting area for relay competitors to meet their teammate just before the finish.

Q: What happens if I need assistance in the Swim?
A: If you are struggling and decide that you require assistance do your best to remain calm, raise your hand high into the air/shout to get the attention of the support boats and move to the outside of the course if you are able. You can hold on to a boat without being disqualified as long as the boat does not provide propulsion. There will also be regular kayak marshals along the swim route to aid the safety boats.

Q: Is the bike route on closed roads?

A: 25% of the bike route will be fully closed roads. The remaining 75%  is partially open to ordinary traffic on a quiet B road, however there are a number of dangerous areas if road regulations are not followed. Where the road is open to traffic, road traffic regulations must be strictly observed at all times.

Q: What happens if I need to withdraw during the race?

A: Please notify the nearest marshal and we will arrange for you to be collected from the course. If you are able to ride or run back to the event site or your car please notify a marshal of your withdrawal from the race.

Q: Where can I stay?

A: A full list of accommodation can be found here https://www.visitnorthumberland.com/

On site accommodation at Kielder Waterside is available to book exclusively for Northumbrian participants – please see further information on the event pages.

Q: Where is the event site location?

A: Kielder Waterside Park, NE48 1ER

Q: Can I transfer my entry to someone else?

A: Yes, up until 4 weeks before the race date for an admin fee. You can do this by logging into your entry through your confirmation email.

Q: Can I get a refund?

A: Unfortunately as per our terms and conditions, entries can’t be refunded however we can offer a free medical deferral up to 4 weeks before the event if a medical note is produced. You can download a copy of the event terms and conditions which are available during registration here

Q: I want to change details of my entry, how do I do this?

A: You can change details of your entry by logging in through your confirmation email up until 4 weeks before the event.

Q: What are the cut off times:

A: Half distance tri: 10 hours

Swim: total time 1hr 10 mins to finish swim

Bike: 5 hours 15 to complete bike leg (total 6hrs 25 mins)

Run: 3 hr 35 mins to complete run (10hrs)

Aquabike: no complete cut off time due to using the same course as the half tri distance, however we ask that you are capable of competing the swim and cycle in the above times set out for the half tri.

Trail Run Cut Off Times:

CP One – 20km – 4 hours [12:45]
CP Two – 30km – 6 hours [14:45]
Finish – 50km – 10 hours [18:45]

Q: Where can I find the general race information and rules?

A: General race information and rules can be found here for the Triathlon (British Triathlon rules and guidelines) and here for the trail runs (https://www.uka.org.uk/competition/rules-of-competition/)

Q: Are Disc Wheels Permitted?

A: Yes. However, race organisers reserve the right to restrict use depending on conditions.

Q: Are TT bikes allowed?

TT bikes are allowed, however please be advised the course is not a traditional TT course. Most of the climbs are relatively shallow with longer descents. There are a few technical and narrow sections extra caution should be taken, especially on descents.

Q: Can I race on behalf of a charity?

A: You are welcome to take part on behalf of and fundraise for any charity of your choice if you wish.

Q:  Can we practice the course prior to the race?

A: You can practice the run and bike route but not the swim.

Q: Are wetsuits allowed?

A: Wetsuits are compulsory below 14 degrees C- optional between 14 – 22 and no wetsuits from 22+

Q: Will you send me information in advance?

A: Once you have entered we will send race information via email. The race guide will be available from 2 weeks before the event.

All participants must register on site on Saturday and collect your race number, timing chip and registration pack.

Q: What happens if I get injured before the event?

A: If you become injured and are unable to take part, we offer medical deferrals up to 4 weeks before event day, subject to receiving supporting evidence from a GP, physiotherapist or other medical professional.

If you become injured within 4 weeks of the event, we are unable to offer a deferral. However, if you are able to complete a shorter or reduced-distance event (for example, changing from the Triathlon to the Aquabike), we are happy to accommodate this — please let us know by email.

If you are unable to participate at all and the medical deferral deadline has passed, we may be able to offer you a complimentary place for the following year if you volunteer at this year’s event. Please contact volunteers@eventsofthenorth.com to discuss the options available and advise you are an injured particpant for this years event.

Q: Can I wear headphones on course?

A: No headphones or earphones are permitted at any time during the triathlon. Please see trail run section above for the trail runs.

Q. Can I volunteer at the event?

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

The updated 2026 British Triathlon rules are available here: www.britishtriathlon.org/britain/documents/events/competition-rules/2026-british-triathlon-competition-rules-april-26.pdf

Please read these carefully and be aware of any new regulations that may result in penalties or disqualification from the event.