
The Wild Dart Swim and Aquathlon
Organiser's Description
The sixth Wild Dart Swim takes place on Saturday June 26th. This year, we have changed the format, so that swimmers will be swimming with the tide for the 5k, the whole way and getting out at Ashprington Point Field. As with previous years, you can enter the 2.5k or 5k swim, as well as a 7k, 10k and 15k aquathlon.
This year, we will be making the 2k sprint aquathlon a Go Tri event. The latter is suitable for children 15 years old or older. Something for swimmers, runners and triathletes of all levels.Younger athletes or entrants who are fairly new to triathlons or aquathlons, can enter the Go Tri event, which includes a 400 swim in the Dart.
All normal swim run kit will be permitted, including tow floats. Swimmers will be permitted to swim in their running shoes.
NB: Times are subject to change but will be within an hour of times advertised.
Camping is available at Dartington
Covid Safety measures
These will comply with the Governing Body Guidelines the TRA, under the auspices of England Athletics and the ARC.
- Hand sanitiser will be placed outside all toilets, as well as on a table. Paper toilet seat covers, one per person, will be used in toilets and portable loos
- Signs reminding of ‘social distancing’ will be placed around the venue.
- Seated staff will wear masks.
- We WILL NOT be holding a race briefing. Instead runners will receive an electronic briefing with a video and description of the route.
- For the start, we will be using a rolling start wave window split in to two one hour windows. This will be done alphabetically.
- This event will be signed and marshalled.
- Race chips/numbers will either sent out in the post, or ‘dipped’ in an antiseptic ‘bath’ and collected at registration.
- There will be no prize giving ceremony.
- Water and finisher’s medals will be located remote from the Finish to discourage social gathering (our biggest concern).
- Spectators will not be encouraged.
- All marshals will be given bin bags and disposable gloves. Anyone caught littering will be disqualified.
We will be signing runners back in back in when they finish their run behind the Plume of Feathers Pub . All runners will be issued with an NFC chip which will be used to sign in at the finish. They will swipe themselves in at the end and we will have a manual paperback system. We will be accounting for all of our runners with this new back-up policy. This applies to ALL runners. We will also have sweepers out on the course for all three distances.
Chip timing
Branded swim caps
Full water safety coverage
Prizes for all categories where sufficient numbers allow
Transport to Totnes from Ashrington and Sharpham before and after the start (optional purchase)
Camping
2.5k & 5k swim (Starts Approximately 8.15am and 8.30am respectively in two waves)
The 5k swim covers a #GoWithTheFlow, one way only swim from Totnes to Ashprington Point Field, starting near the Dart-Totnes Rowing Club on Steamer Quay. The 2.5k swimmers start at the same place in separate waves (according to your predicted finishing time) but exit at Sharpham. Aquathloners will also exit at Sharpham, then move to a nearby transition area, before running the three miles back to the rowing club, following the cycle path above the Dart.
Swimming alongside the tow path and the reed beds, which line the Sharpham side of the river and the rolling hills on the left, which wind along towards Stoke Gabriel. You will take your first snake bend here, as the river takes a turn towards Sharpham.
You will know you’re approaching the Sharpham North Quay when you pass our event buoy and will soon after, catch sight of the small pontoon on your right, which is the 2.5k finish.
7k Aquathlon
The 7k aquathlon includes the 2.5k swim and a hilly 4.5k run through the picturesque vineyards at Sharpham and along the cycle track from Sharpham House to Moat Hill, turning left at The Steam Packet before crossing the bridge to Bridgetown and turning right in to Steamer Quay and the rowing club. The course suits road shoes. All normal swim run kit will be permitted, except for tow floats. Swimmers will be permitted to swim in their running shoes.
10k Aquathlon
The 10k aquathlon includes the 5k swim to Ashprington Point and a 5k run run along the cycle track from Sharpham House to Moat Hill, turning left at The Steam Packet before crossing the bridge to Bridgetown and turning right in to Steamer Quay and the rowing club. The course suits road shoes. All normal swim run kit will be permitted, except for tow floats. Swimmers will be permitted to swim in their running shoes. A transition point will be provided at Ashprington Point and transition gear taken there from registration.
15k Aquathlon
The 15k aquathlon takes runners up the hill from Sharpham House and down the road through Ashprington towards Bow Bridge before runners follow the Harbourne River to Beanleigh cross and back to Sharpham and then Totnes via the bicycle tracks.
All normal swim run kit will be permitted, except for tow floats. Swimmers will be permitted to swim in their running shoes.
Go tri
The sprint aquathlon will precede all the other events and includes a 400 swim along the River Dart parallel to the walkway, until it reaches its end and the swimmers get out and transition before running a short 1 mile loop around Steamer Quay.
Dartington campsite: This is one of our favourite camping sites near Totnes. (less than 2 miles out of Totnes). It’s fairly rustic but we think you’ll like it! The magnificent Green Table Cafe is only half a mile away in the beautiful surroundings of Dartington estate. £15pp per night. Camper vans are not permitted as it is a Heritage Site. Upper Drive, Dartington Hall, Totnes TQ9 6EE. 01803 847077
There is a camper van site just 200 metres away from the race start on Steamer Quay.
Another camping option which does allow camper vans is at Broadleigh Farm between Totnes and Paignton. https://www.broadleighfarm.co.uk/find-us
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