Description |
We’re really excited to be hosting the Staffin Triathlon & 10K for the second year. This Sprint, Mini-Sprint Triathlon & 10K is set beneath the dramatic backdrop of the Trottenish Ridge on the north east coast of the Isle of Skye, in the beautiful village of Staffin, famed for its stunning beach and amazing geology. With the most rugged yet breathtaking land and seascape, Staffin has spectacular views, and the clear clean waters of Staffin Bay frame the beauty of this peaceful Highland retreat.
The sandy Staffin beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island due to its close proximity to the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock, and is most famous for its dinosaur footprints - the largest of their kind to be discovered in Scotland. The bay provides sheltered waters cradling the appropriately named Staffin Island. This tidal island can only be reached on foot during a really low tide. It’s uninhabited, but used for grazing cattle in the winter, and a popular spot for birdwatching, home to a variety of seabirds, including guillemots, razorbills and puffins.
Most importantly, it's a great location for the swim leg of any Triathlon. The bay is quiet, secluded, has a gently sloping shelf into the sea from the boat slipway, and is easily accessible from the main road for T1 set-up. We can’t guarantee it will be calm waters, but we can guarantee it will bring drama to the race.
To the north end of the bay towards the Quiraing, towering pinnacles and savage rock formations, such as the Prison, the 120 ft Needle and The Table are visible. This is an impressive backdrop for the Staffin Sprint, Super Sprint and Mini Sprint Triathlon. We can’t lie, the route’s not flat or fast, so no PBs to be had here. But the terrain will excite and challenge both novice and experienced Triathlete, as well as 10k runners.
This is an open road race, but with the holiday season coming to a close, we hope there will be less traffic. Signage will be very clear that a race is in progress, marshals will be out in force, and drivers advised to proceed with caution.
LOCATION: HOW TO GET HERE
Skye Events Staffin Triathlon & 10K is hosted by Staffin Community Hall which has great facilities as our base for T2, as well as The Hungry Gull for excellent scran. The Isle of Skye is accessible via a toll free bridge at Broadford so no worries about missing ferries because of bad weather. Alternatively, for life on the edge, there is a Calmac ferry connection between Mallaig on the mainland and Armadale at the South of the Island.
RACE MERCHANDISE
You can stay warm at our Staffin Triathlon or 10k by purchasing a bespoke, thick & cosy hooded top, eco-friendly technical t-shirt, or bobble beanie. They’re available when you sign up for collection on the day, or have it sent in advance via our on-line shop. Sizes are available from Small - Extra Large.
INCLUDED IN THE RACE PRICE:
Commemorative Finisher Medal
Goodie bag
Beautiful, remote, friendly & hospitable location
Free car-parking 100 metres off-site [absolutely no parking at Staffin Hall or on adjacent roads].
Water stations at transition & on the course
Chip Timing
Instant On-line Results
T2 will be marshalled at all times, but kit is left at your own risk.
Toilet Facilities
Event Medics
Water Safety Cover
Free Entrance for Spectators and Parking
Great Spectator Viewing Points
Event Photographer with Images Free to Download
AVAILABLE & SUBJECT TO CHARGES
The Hungry Gull Restaurant
Local campsite
BYOB post race Ceilidh organised by our hosts Staffin Community Hall Committee - a cracking good night!
SPRINT TRIATHLON (750m swim, 20km cycle on open roads, 5km run)
T1 will be at the boat slipway in Staffin Bay following the swim. Triathletes will mount their bike here and head up to the main road turning left towards Staffin/Portree. Triathletes will stay on the main road, A885, passing Loch Mealt, continuing to Lealt Fall and a turning point using the large car park. They will return and retrace their route to the Community Hall for T2.
The run will take them from the Community Hall to the boat slipway at Staffin Bay and back.
SUPER SPRINT & NOVICE TRIATHLON (300m swim, 5.1km cycle on open roads, 2.5km run)
This Super Sprint & Novice Triathlon is for both experienced, novice, and Youth (age 15-16). T1 is the same location as the Sprint Triathlon - at the boat slipway in Staffin Bay. Triathletes will mount their bikes and head up to the main road, turning left towards Staffin/Portree. Kilt Rock car park is the turning point where they will then retrace their route back to the Staffin Community Hall for T2.
The 2.5 kilometre run will be an out and back on the pavement.
TS2 (aged 11-12) & TS3 (aged 13-14) - 300m swim, 5.1km cycle, 1.8km run
Open water swim from Staffin Bay boat slipway plus, for safety, triathletes will do their cycle on closed roads along An Corran Beach and run loops on pavements.
TRI START (age 8) & TS1 (age 9-10) - 100m swim, 1.5km cycle, 600m run
Open water swim from Staffin Bay boat slipway plus, for safety, triathletes will do their cycle on closed roads along An Corran Beach and run loops on pavements.
SPECTATORS
Staffin is the perfect location for spectators with viewing from the shore and along the roadside. However, to be aware, if you are spectating at this location, the road is closed to vehicles. In order to make your way to the finish line, it is a significant walk only suitable for able bodied to the finish line.
CHARITABLE GIVING
Surplus profits from the Staffin Triathlon will be gifted to Staffin Youth Club, run by a local group of volunteers. We also welcome donations at registration towards the running costs of the Club. Living in a rural, remote part of Scotland, opportunities for young people to come together are an important part of community life. All participants also have the opportunity to offset their carbon footprint by donating £6 to plant a tree in our growing Skye Tree Grove as part of a rewilding of the Cairngorms project.
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