Human Race Event Management

RaceInformation
Start Time: 8:00am

Duathlon: 8 mile Run, 24 mile Bike, 8 mile Run

IMPORTANT RACE INFORMATION
Thank you for entering the Kinetica Spring Ballbuster. The race takes you over “the Hill” a total of five times – twice on foot and three times in the saddle – so it’s an extreme test of stamina. Conditions are always challenging, so this event should be treated with the utmost respect.

VENUE
The race will take place at Box Hill in Surrey, KT20 7LB. To get to Box Hill, exit the M25 at Junction 9 and follow the signs to Dorking along the A24. After 3 miles, Box Hill is signposted on your left. You must make your way to the top of Box Hill to the National Trust Centre, which is the race HQ and transition area. There is a large car park at the top for 400 cars, which is free for competitors. However, your car will be blocked in until the event is finished which is normally around midday. Spectators must pay the £3 parking fee. Please do not park on the bike route, as you will be a hazard to those taking part! Any cars parked outside the official car parks will be towed away and charged. Please make sure you are there by 7.00am in order to have time to park, register and rack your bike. We will start on time at 8.00am so make sure you don’t miss the start.

GETTING THERE BY TRAIN
If you are travelling by train to the BallBuster event there are two stations nearby:

DORKING Trains depart from Victoria and Clapham Junction and are fast and frequent.
BOXHILL & WESTHUMBLE Trains are not so frequent from Victoria or Clapham Junction.

Both stations are located around 5km from the top of Box Hill and will require a cycle of around 30 mins (depending on fitness). Please be aware the cycle is up hill, so be careful not to use up all your energy before you start the race!

REGISTRATION
Registration will take place between 6.30am and 7.30am at the Warden Office. You will need to find your race number from the lists on display, and then show your ID in order to collect your race pack, timing chip, security wristband and event memento. The race pack will contain your race number and three sticky labels. Your race number is to be worn on your front and the sticky labels are for your bike and helmet. The security wristband will give you access to the transition area. If you lose your chip, your time cannot be recorded and there is a charge of £35 to replace it. Therefore don’t lose it! If you are not a BTF member, then you will need to pay the day membership fee of £6. BTF MEMBERS WILL NEED TO SHOW THEIR LICENCE.

TRANSITION
After registration, you should go to Transition and prepare your kit. Please ensure that the handlebar ends are plugged and that both brakes work (NB. fixed wheel bikes may not be used). An approved cycle helmet must be worn for the cycle section and this will be checked upon entering Transition. Please attach two sticky labels with your race number on them to your bike and the third to your helmet BEFORE entering Transition. This is a security measure and you will not be allowed to put your bike into Transition, or take it out, without the label being attached. Once you have entered Transition, you will need to rack your bike. Please have everything set up well before the start of the race. At 7.45am there will be a last minute briefing for all competitors just outside the transition area, near the start line.

RACE CONDITIONS
Over the years, we’ve seen all types of weather for the event – wind, rain, bitterly cold, warm and even sunny. Please check to see what weather conditions are forecast and dress accordingly. You should wear adequate, warm clothing for the bike section as you will get very cold on the descents. Make sure you put on a jacket or gilet and wear gloves that cover your fingers – we have had hypothermia cases in previous years!

Please refer to the map on the next page for the race route. This event takes place on open roads and extreme care must be taken in all aspects of the race. Marshals, first aid and other back-up services will be available until midday but you must ensure your own safety in this event. Please make sure that your bicycle is in good repair and that your tyres and inner tubes are in good condition – punctures can and do happen, and they can often have serious consequences on this type of course.

We would also ask competitors to have a set of bike lights with them to aid your safety and visibility on the live roads, in case the weather conditions are foggy.

If, in the opinion of the race director, weather or road conditions become unsafe for competitors (i.e. ice and snow), then a 16-mile running race will take place instead of the Duathlon. The decision will be final and no appeals will be considered.

BASIC EVENT RULES
•   No mobile phones, personal stereos, MP3 players or iPods to be used in Transition or during the race at any time.
•   Do not mark your position in Transition.
•   Your cycle helmet is to be on and fastened before you touch your bike and remain done up until your bike is back on the rack.
•   No cycling is allowed in Transition.
•   Keep as far left as possible at all time especially on the bends and only single file in the narrow sections.
•   Drafting is NOT permitted on the bike. You must be at least 7 metres behind and 3 metres wide, apart from when overtaking.

FACILITIES
There is a take-away café, which will be open from 6.30am. It is situated next to the car park and toilets. Unfortunately there are no changing and showering facilities.

RACE STRATEGY

THE FIRST RUN
This is one lap of the 8-mile loop. Try to complete the first run at the same pace as the final run, even if you have to slow down for the first run. Many people go far too hard on the first run and have nothing left at the end. You have been warned…Run anticlockwise around the loop. There will be one drinks station at the 4-mile mark where water will be provided. Make sure you drink enough! Have a full bottle of your own energy drink ready after the run.

THE BIKE (3 LAPS)
The bike is 3 loops of the tarmacked road. It is up to you to check you know the route and you must adhere to the Rules of the Road. Please do not cross the central white line or make any dangerous manoeuvres. Any violations spotted by a marshal will be penalised by time penalties or disqualification. Extreme care must be taken on this hard and technical bike course. The cut-off time for the 3-lap bike course is 11.00am. If you have not completed the bike section of the race by this time then you will not be allowed out to do the final run. Don’t forget to eat and drink on the bike. Have a full bottle of your own energy drink ready on the bike to re-fuel and get you ready for the final run.

THE FINAL RUN
This will be your final lap of the 8-mile loop so be sure to have saved enough energy for it otherwise it’s a long walk! The trick is to try and run both runs at an even pace.

PRIZES
Prizes will be awarded to:
Male and female overall: 1st to 3rd
Male and female 40-49: 1st to 3rd
Male and female 50-59: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Male and female 60+: 1st, 2nd, 3rd

Prize-giving will be at 12.15pm near the café.

One prize per person.

POST EVENT

When you leave, please drive in the direction of the race, i.e anti-clockwise. It is safer and means you don’t go down the narrow zig-zag.

POST RACE MEAL 

Reload at the Smith&Western restaurant (first building on the right, 500m after the start). Show your race number and get a 20% discount (available until 3pm) on the whole bill. American style catering with big portions. Parking is at the back. See www.smith-western.co.uk

FINALLY

Finally, enjoy the race. The marshals are there for your safety and the occasional thank you does wonders. We are honoured to be able to hold the race in such a beautiful environment. Therefore, please respect the area, keep it clean and tidy by taking your rubbish home, and smile at the locals!