Following the success of their very first event in Ludlow this year, Storm The Castle are again challenging athletes to pick up the gauntlet to compete in “the toughest duathlon in the UK”.
The event will take place on Sunday 17 April, 2016 and the three former Ludlow school friends behind the multi-sport concept have heralded its return with an even tougher challenge: Are you ready to be a king or queen?
Race directors Dermott Hayes, Matt Green, and Matthew Morris hope to top the success of the first race – which saw 195 athletes tackle a 10km run, 33km bike and 5km run – and turn it into a major fixture in the UK duathlon calendar.
“We know how tough Storm The Castle is and that finishing is a huge achievement, but we decided to offer a little something extra,” said Dermott, 40, who runs triathlon & multisport coaching company RG Active.
“A regal hierarchy status will define first time finishers as a peasant. Returning athletes will take the next step on the ladder and earn a new title each year that they complete the race – after completing five they will be a king or queen.
“The title will be displayed on the athlete’s race number and the finisher’s T-shirt will have the new status emblazoned on it. We hope the bragging rights will give a competitive friendly edge to the event.”
The race route takes in some of Ludlow’s spectacular scenery and finishes in the grounds of Ludlow Castle itself, following tough climb around the castle walls and Whitcliffe. The bike route runs through the beautiful and notoriously hilly countryside of south Shropshire before heading back to the town via the spectacular descent of High Vinnals and Whitcliffe.
The inaugural event was met with hugely positive feedback and glowing reviews from participants and the multi-sport community. A Facebook page set up to promote the event has attracted more than a thousand likes.
Matt Green, 40, said: “We were blown away by the support of athletes entering an event that has no reputation. We want to create an event that offers something for all level of athletes and helps to put duathlon back on the map.
“It’s also important to us that we benefit the people and businesses in our hometown. That’s why we make Storm the Castle an event which is family friendly. With that in mind we considered various viewing points, and also set up the junior event for children aged five to 16.”
Sue Byatt, Deputy Head Teacher at Ludlow Secondary School, remembers her three “happy enthusiastic sporty” pupils with pride.
She said: “They contributed a lot to school life and went on to make individual successes of their lives, but it’s lovely that they kept their friendships and haven’t forgotten their roots. “Myself, and the head of PE, who also taught the boys, are committed in doing all that we can to support their endeavour in bringing something back to the community, and in particular to young people through sport.”
The organisers hope to attract athletes of the highest abilities from across the globe with the more challenging aspects of the course. With some brutal inclines, Storm The Castle was billed as the toughest duathlon in the UK for very good reason. Athletes were forced to run the ‘Lactic Ladder’ and ‘The Wall’ a punishing three times. The UK’s biggest selling multi-sport magazine 220 Triathlon recently included it in their top five must-do duathlons in the UK.
One entrant the team hope will be signing up again is the men’s race winner Alain Friedrich of Team Freespeed who had nearly a five minute lead when crossing the line. Although he seemed to breeze through the race, after finishing Alain admitted it was “one of the toughest races I have ever done.”
The women’s race was a much closer affair with Marianne Day of Worcestor Tri Club victorious, and only a few minutes splitting the top three.
Kate Cutting, 30, of Ludlow Runners club competed with keen cyclist husband Daniel as one of the 16 relay teams, but is embarking on the challenge as an individual in 2016.
She said: I was thrilled to be part of the first event, the atmosphere was amazing. We came third out of the relay teams and I enjoyed it so much I was inspired to do it again solo. I’m excited about the training sessions that the organisers are again holding early next year which help particularly with the tougher aspects of the course!”
Entry opened for adult competitors in September, with more than150 athletes having signed up so far, receiving a special early bird discount. A maximum of 350 athletes can take part.
A structured training plan is available now on the race website and it begins in early January with helpful tips, for example, hill repeats. A Spectators’ Guide will also be made available.
The success of the first junior event surpassed the organisers’ expectations, so there are plans to expand it next year with local sports coach Mark Warren being appointed Race Director.
Storm The Castle organisers are keen to hear from local businesses who would like to sponsor the adult or junior race. Anyone interested should email matt@stormthecastleduathlon.com.