Provisional Start Times: Off-Road Run 10:00am, Duathlon/Relay Duathlon 10:15am
Run: 6km or 13km £26Duathlon: 6km Run, 20km Bike, 6km Run £47
Relay Duathlon: 6km Run, 20km Bike, 6km Run £59
ENTRY DEADLINE: 9PM MONDAY 1st APRIL 2013 (OR EARLIER IF FULL)
A brand new event in 2012, the TrailMan returns to Eridge Park near Royal Tunbridge Wells for the ultimate event in the Human Race Off Road Series.
Eridge Park is not only steeped in history, being the largest open deer park in England and mentioned in the Domesday book, it’s also home to some challenging and varied terrain. Making it the perfect place for a tough, off road race like the TrailMan!
Taking multisport to the Trails
The first leg off the off-road duathlon is a 6k run loop that begins with a fast downhill section out of transition before crossing the dam at Lake Serene and then heading deep into the ancient oak forest for some proper trail action. Following that (and a cheeky uphill drag), the course hits some sharp up ‘n’ downs (known as The Big Dipper for good reason!) as it traverses the valleys on the west side of the park back to the transition zone. After leg one, it’s onto the mountain bikes for 20k of trails, single track, firetrack, ups, downs, mud, roots and fun before rounding the iron-age fort on top of Saxonbury Hill and hitting a long, sweeping descent down towards transition. Make sure you save something for ‘The Wall’, a leg-sapping ramp back up to the start/finish area where you’ll dump the MTB and head out onto the run course for another 6k loop.
With the run and bike loop taking in completely separate areas of the park, you’ll see a wide range of terrain which you’ll share with deer, highland cattle and plenty of vocal support from humans too. The event is tough, really tough, and is only for those that like to get muddy and experience the great outdoors. It also includes some really nice flowing sections where speed is the key, so there really is something for anyone that likes to do it Off Road!
The essence of Trail Running
In addition to the off road Duathlon, there is a choice between a 6k trail run over a shorter loop and a 13k trail run – still over one loop, just longer, hillier, muddier and all round tougher!
Both distances begin with a fast downhill section right out of the gate before crossing the dam at Lake Serene following the same course as the Duathlon and then heading deep into the ancient oak forest for some proper trail action. Following that the Trail Run hits some proper hills including the infamous Big Dipper as it works its way back to the start/finish zone. This is where the 6k finishes, but for the rest it’s out onto trails, single track, firetrack, ups, downs, mud, roots and fun before rounding the iron-age fort on top of Saxonbury Hill and hitting a long, sweeping descent down towards the finish. As with the duathletes, make sure you runners save something for ‘The Wall’, a leg-sapping ramp back up to the line where you’ll likely collapse in a heap on the floor!
The Human Race Off Road Race Series
TrailMan is the final race in the 2012/13 Human Race Off Road Race Series, now established as the UK’s premier winter multisport series. All of the races in the series are not for the faint hearted and each event will test your strength, stamina and ability. The emphasis is on taking on the challenge and surviving the course so you can take home lots of great memories in the process!
Before the TrailMan there is series opener WildMan on the 17th of November 2012 and grime-fest MudMan on 8th December before the IceMan cometh on 26th January 2013. After IceMan it’s over to the really rough stuff for TuffMan on the 23rd of February and the fast firetracks of TrailMan.
The Series Leaderboard
The 2011/12 Series saw the introduction of a Series Leaderboard in the Duathlon which led to some pretty stiff competition across the five races in both the male and female categories. British Cross Triathlon Champion Richard Stannard emerged victorious for the men while Kate Robson, World Long Distance AG Champ took the honours for the women. 2012/13 looks to be hotter than ever with some high-calibre athletes taking to the start line. That doesn’t mean the series is just for the speed demons though, consistency is everything and simply completing the events is something to be proud of.
New Trail Running Series Leaderboard added
This year the Duathlon Series Leaderboard will be joined by a brand new Trail Running Championship. Points will be awarded for the top fifty finishers in the longer of the two Trail Runs at each event with some great prizes on offer for the overall Series Champions. Each event features differing terrain designed to play to the strengths (and expose the weaknesses) of different types of athlete at every turn. Hillrunners, demon descenders and those that can run quickly over suspect terrain will find themselves well catered for!
Canicross and Running with your Dog
As with the 2011 Series, running with dogs is welcome at the TrailMan and all the other events in the Human Race Trail Running Series. There are a growing (and very friendly) contingent of dogs and their owners taking part in the Trail Runs so why not come on down and join in the fun! Just be sure to keep your pets firmly on a lead at all times as Eridge Park has a thriving population of deer and highland cattle on site.
RaceInformationPack
AS SOON AS THE RACE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE, IT WILL BE POSTED HERE.
TrailMan Course Map - CLICK TO ENLARGE
RaceLocation
Eridge Park is a country estate but only an hour's drive from London and is located 2 miles south of Tunbridge Wells in Kent.
Eridge Park, Eridge Green, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 9HS
By Car
From M25 Junction 5, follow A21 to Tonbridge, leaving at SOUTHBOROUGH exit and follow the signs for TUNBRIDGE WELLS and CROWBOROUGH. ERIDGE PARK is two miles from Tunbridge Wells on the A26 Crowborough road. From Tunbridge Wells follow the London Road, turn left at the mini roundabout signed towards Kent & Sussex crematorium. Drive through Frant village and the entrance to the estate will be on your right.
By Train
From CHARING CROSS to TUNBRIDGE WELLS on the HASTINGS line. Eridge Park is a short taxi ride from Tunbridge Wells station.
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