Most frequent questions and answers
Support Crew
Please refer to website section on ’Support Crews ’.
Health and Safety
There will be a recorded race briefing which is compulsory viewing prior to the event and athletes will be required to confirm they have viewed the same. In addition, there will be an optional Q&A session online with the Race Directors approximately 6 weeks prior to the event.
Each athlete will get a branded race pack with some goodies including swim cap, race numbers and GPX tracker. There will be some other surprises in there for you and your crew which we know you’ll love
UMUK Race wear will be provided by O’Neills. https://www.oneills.com/int_en/.
Some kit will be provided with race entry, but a range or quality race apparel including cycle jerseys/ race t-shirts/ tech tops etc will be available from a ‘race shop’. The link will be available soon.
You can use any reasonable race equipment. It is your responsibility to ensure that your bike is road worthy and suitable for the demands of the event. You cannot use any cycle which has any form of mechanical assistance (electric bikes).
There are no restrictions regarding running shoes inc carbon soles/ styles.
You cannot use any webbed gloves or fins/ paddles or flippers during the swim stage. You can use a tow float.
It goes without saying that athletes must not be using any form of banned performance enhancing medication. Alcohol must not be consumed at any point prior to or during each element off the event. Afterwards, we have no issue with that……
Please refer to https://www.ukad.org.uk/athletes/whats-banned-sport-prohibited-list
There are no specific rules in place regarding drafting in the bike elements of this event. You are required to ride safely and in accordance with traffic laws.
Facilities at transition are limited. We will ensure there are toilet facilities whether race provided or local amenities. There are no changing facilities save for before/ after the swim section where there are public changing facilities/ toilets/ showers. Charges may apply.
There are local amenities available. Further details to follow. UMUK may provide a coffee/ food van, details to be provided in due course.
Parking is available but charges may apply.
There is no time limit on the transition phase of the race on day 1.
Athletes will have a GPX tracker and an app that allows other parties to view their location.
Yes. We want this documented for you. Details will follow
Athletes can exit the water at the jetty at any time. This will be included in their swim time. It is possible to stand in the water by the jetty to take on nutrition.
Athletes, where safe to do so can use a tow floats or safety boat to hold on to. The only requirement is that an athlete cannot travel in a forward motion whilst doing so.
Any transport needed during the event must be provided by the support crew. Should you withdraw from the event, for whatever reason, it is your responsibility to return to the race HQ.
In the case of a medical emergency, it is the responsibility of the support crew to seek appropriate medical assistance and transport the athlete to any relevant medical provider.
There is no transport provided to the start/ finish of the vent on each day. You need to transport yourselves there and back to accommodation.
We actively encourage family and friends at the start and finish and where safe, along the route.
Bring your kids/ partners/ whoever down the finish chute………… we love it!!!!!!
Apart from legendary status, you’ll get a finishers t-shirt and a medal. You will love both of these and they are befitting of your epic achievement
If you don’t finish (DNF), we’ll still give you something very cool to acknowledge the fact you stood at the start line, something which in itself is worthy of recognition
A spare bike may only be used if the primary bike has a mechanical failure to such an extent that it cannot be used. You are not allowed to switch bikes to gain an advantage. If you have the option of more than one type of bike we recommend that you study (and if possible, recce) the bike routes to help you determine which one will be your primary bike. Please refer to our Course Routes page.
Water temperature in Lake Bala on race day has previously between 12 and 17 degrees C. Wetsuits are mandatory. Many past participants have worn base layers, neoprene hats, gloves (non-webbed) and booties. You may be in the water for longer than you expect. Remember, it is easier to remove layers rather than add them.
No. However, you are permitted to exit the water as many times as you like. Any time spent outside the water will be included in your swim time.
No. The swim stage is organised such that you will not require a support boat. However, other than safety, the swim stage is unsupported. You will be able to take on nutrition at regular intervals at the jetty area (where you will be able to stand). Please refer to our Course Routes page.
Toilets and showers are available at Lake Bala approx. 150m from the transition area. Public toilets are also available around race HQ.
Yes. Public parking at Lake Bala and race HQ are pay and display.
No. However, Betws-Y-Coed is the location of the start and finish of all 3 days, with the exception of the swim on Day 1. You may therefore find it convenient to stay there to reduce travelling time.
There are plenty of alternative accommodation options a short drive away. Here are some great websites which will help make your visit to Snowdonia a real treat http://www.visitwales.com/ and http://www.visitsnowdonia.info/ for accommodation, restaurants and other tourist information.
Betws-Y-Coed is predominantly a village geared towards tourists to Snowdonia. However, you will be able to find most things you need. There are a handful of pubs and restaurants, a service station, and a couple of convenience supermarkets. The nearest bike shop is in Llanrwst, 5 miles away. However, our event bike mechanic will be able to fix most bike issues.
As anywhere in the UK, the weather can be very unpredictable. This is even more true in Snowdonia, so you should be prepared to race in all weathers. Temperatures in the early mornings and over the mountain passes can be surprisingly low for the time of year and visibility can be poor. In case of poor conditions, bike lights are mandatory. High-vis clothing and running lights are also recommended.
Every athlete has their own preferences so it is impossible to advise what you should eat. Remember, since the race is unsupported, you are not limited to aid stations and personal supplies – you choose what and when to eat. Take into account that you are racing for three long consecutive days. Decide what you might like to eat, bring the supplies and let your support crew do the rest.
No. Our events are unsupported which means you must make your own way around the course using the GPX files and the road books provided. These will both be emailed to you four weeks before the race. There are a couple of short sections on the run route where support vehicles are not permitted and these will be marshalled.
Athletes and support crews must read our on-line Health and Safety presentation. In addition, there will be short briefings prior to the start of each day, which must also be attended by the athlete(s) and at least one crew member.
The cut off for the swim is in place for safety reasons; therefore if you haven’t finished by 1pm you will be pulled from the water. If you do not meet the cut off for the bike or run stages you may continue the stage unofficially, however you may be requested to leave the course if the race director deems it necessary. You may also continue the race unofficially the following day. We will not provide safety cover on the water or on the road after the cut off times. Only competitors who meet the cut off for each day will be eligible for a finisher’s award.
The course records for UMUK staged between 2011 and 2016 are:
Records | Male | Female |
Entire Course | Edd Charlton-Weedy 23:56:47 (2014) | Yasuko Miyazaki 28:01:42 (2012) |
Swim | Lefteris Paraskeuas 2:26:47 (2013) | Yasuko Miyazaki 3:10:18 (2012) |
Day 1 Bike | Mark Stenning 4:39:04 (2011) | Tracey McQuair 5:31:01 (2011) |
Day 2 Bike | Mark Stenning 8:15:53 (2011) | Tracey McQuair 10:19:08 (2011) |
Run | Mark Stenning 6:44:40 (2011) | Yasuko Miyazaki 8:37:47 (2012) |
In 2018 all routes were altered (we didn’t think they were tough enough!). In 2021, our winner Penny Butterfield set a new course record of: 30 hours, 49 minutes and 46 seconds. In 2023, our winner Ramon Estrada set a new course record of: 24 hours, 57 minutes and 15 seconds.
Records | Male | Female |
Entire Course | Ramon Estrada 24:57:15 (2023) | Penny Butterfield 30:49:46 (2021) |
Swim | Alvaro De La Camara 2:59:00 (2021) | Penny Butterfield 3:19:00 (2021) |
Day 1 Bike + transition | Ramon Estrada 4:56:34 (2023) | Penny Butterfield 6:13:46 (2021) |
Day 2 Bike | Ramon Estrada 8:45:30 (2023) | Emma (Runciman) Cornes 10:43:14 (2023) |
Run | Jon Warren 7:49:08 (2021) | Penny Butterfield 10:12:23 (2021) |
In 2019 we added two new events: UMUK 355 and UMUK Team Relay. UMUK 355 – particularly – was taken by storm! Our winners Rob Demetriou and Andrea Gellan set new course records of: 17 hours, 06 minutes and 46 seconds and 23 hours, 38 minutes and 40 seconds respectively.
Records | Male | Female |
Entire Course | Rob Demetriou 17:06:46 (2019) | Andrea Gellan 23:38:40 (2019) |
Swim | Lee Hassan 1:52:31 (2023) | Andrea Gellan 1:59:00 (2019) |
Day 1 Bike + transition | Rob Demetriou 3:36:25 (2019) | Jacky Camos 5:00:01 (2019) |
Day 2 Bike | Rob Demetriou 6:35:18 (2019) | Jacky Camos 8:53:47 (2019) |
Run | Rob Demetriou 5:02:08 (2019) | Andrea Gellan 7:19:00 (2019) |
In 2021 Team Barlow Bashes West set a new team course record of: 25 hours, 07 minutes and 02 second.
Records | Team Relay | |
Entire Course | Barlow Bashes West 25:07:02 (2021) | |
Swim | Barlow Bashes West 3:13:00 (2021) | |
Day 1 Bike + transition | Barlow Bashes West 4:47:25 (2021) | |
Day 2 Bike | Barlow Bashes West 9:05:09 (2021) | |
Run | Barlow Bashes West 8:01:28 (2021) |
Question not answered here?
You can find most information regarding the race in our Rules and Guidelines
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please contact us.
Ultraman UK Ltd
Registered company no 17397557
Registered Address: 51 Gayton Road, Heswall, Wirral, CH60 8QE.
GET IN TOUCH
address
51 Gayton Road, Heswall, Wirral, CH60 8QE
phone
+44 7510222708
info@ultramantriathlon.uk