Why do Xtra Mile Events need an estimated swim time?

It is important that you give as accurate as possible estimate of your swim time over the swim distance in your event so that we can place you in a 'wave' of swimmers who are about the same ability as yourself. Wildly inaccurate guesses can result in the whole event being held up - try explaining that to your fellow competitors when we run out of booked pool time! So, if you're not sure, hop in your nearest pool and get timing!

What is a relay team?

We welcome relay teams at our events.  A Relay Team is where two or three friends, family or work colleagues work together and share each of the stages of the sport.   For example, in a triathlon, one person does the swim section, one person does the bike stage and one person does the run stage.  Or in a duathlon, one person does the first run, one person does the bike stage, and one person does the second run.  Please note it can be two or three people sharing the stages, and you can share the stages anyway you like, so long as it is only one person per stage.  Taking part as a relay team can be a great introduction to the sport, and a great way to share the excitement and the fun.

What is a novice?

A novice is anyone for whom this calendar year (e.g. 2009) is their first year of competing in triathlon (or triathlon related events e.g. aquathlons and duathlons). Most of our events have prize categories for novices - giving beginners in the sport something to aim for.

What is BTF Membership?

Anyone can become a member of British Triathlon - the national membership association for triathlon in Britain. Xtra Mile Events offers British Triathlon members a discount for entry into many of their competitive events. For further information on British Triathlon Membership visit: http://www.britishtriathlon.org

Why do you need to know my BTF membership number?

Providing details of a BTF number only applies to members of British Triathlon. Non BTA members can still enter Xtra Mile Events. In order to verify that you are a current member of British Triathlon we request your BTF number on the online Entry Form. You will be asked to produce your current British Triathlon Membership Card when you confirm your entry at the Registration Desk on the day of the event.

Can I use a mountain bike?

Yes, a whole range of bikes is welcomed at Xtra Mile Events. There are some types of bikes you cannot use, including fixed wheel and electric/powered bikes. More details on acceptable bikes can be found in Section 11 of the British Triathlon Rule Book, see http://www.britishtriathlon.org/events/rules/.

How can I check race results?

We aim to publish race results within two days after the race on our website under the 'Event Results'. On the day results will be available from the Race Results wagon - usually situated next to the Finish Line.

What training do I need to do prior to the event?

Although our events are suitable from novice level, it should be remembered that multi-sport events can be strenuous events, and you will need to prepare your body (and mind) for this. For more advice and guidance you might try joining a local triathlon club, working with a coach, and/or books and internet resources on the topic. A good place to start is British Triathlon: http://www.britishtriathlon.org.

What kit do I need to bring on the day?

There are several things that you will need on the day to help you to perform your best. The following list is just a suggestion of what we have found useful - talk to other triathletes and develop a list to best suit you. * Warm/suitable clothes for prior to and after the event. * Safety pins - e.g. 8 for for race numbers * Race numbers - pinned/attached to your race t-shirt/top or race belt, and any medical conditions clearly written on the back of both numbers. You will need to show your race numbers to get into transition. * Triathlon suit - all in one, two piece or equivalent. Or swim costume, t-shirt and shorts. - Basically anything which gets you quickly from out of the pool and onto your bike. On the other hand, we often have a number of people who don’t care about their time, and are just wanting to say “I did it! – I’m a triathlete!” at the end, and once they leave the pool they go off to the changing rooms and change before hopping on their bike. * Goggles and swim hat (if you use one). Swim hats are only compulsory at our Open Water events, where we supply them. * Bike (left in a low gear, so you can get peddling easily) * Spare inner tube, and tyre levers (in case you get a flat tyre en route) - probably best to store these in an under-saddlebag, crossbar bag, or similar. * Tyre pump - probably mounted on your bike. * Bike computer - if you like to know how long there is left to go, and how fast you are going, a small, handlebar mounted, bike computer can be helpful. * Bike pump with pressure gauge - not essential, but some athletes like to check their tyres are at the optimum pressure. * Helmet (with the straps undone and untangled - ready to quickly put on). Your helmet must meet British Triathlon approved standards - see http://www.britishtriathlon.org/events/rules/. * Talc - to leave ready-sprinkled in your cycle shoes (your feet may be wet after your swim) * Towel - to dry your face/hands/etc with after your swim * Bike shoes (if using a separate pair of e.g. clip-in shoes) * Muscle balm - If you must use this, do NOT put this on until you have been marked up with your race numbers at the Registration Desk * Drink bottle - with your preferred drink in, stored in your bike * Energy bars/gels - taped to your bike, or ready to stuff in a pocket * Run shoes (some people prefer elasticated laces to aid the speed at which these can be put on). * Socks - if you prefer these with your bike and/or run shoes. * Map of how to get to the event venue * Maps of courses * Another good on-the-day tip is to memorise your bike position in transition, and walk through each stage of coming in and out of transition, before you start your event. * Wash kit and change of clothes for after the event - body polishing sponges are useful for removing your 'marked up' race number from your arms and legs.

Do I have to wear my race numbers in the pool in Triathlons?

No, at the Registration Desk before you start your event you will be 'marked up'. This means you will have your race number written on you in permanent black marker pen on your lower legs and upper arms. This can easily be scrubbed off in a bath/shower after a race. You will need your race numbers for the cycle and run - have them pinned on ready in transition, on your t-shirt/top or race belt.

How do I attach my race numbers?

Your race number must be clearly visible on your back during the cycle, and on your front during the run stage. If you are wearing the same top for both, and you will not be swimming in this top, then you can pin your race numbers onto both the front and back of this prior to your event starting; and leave it ready in transition. Another alternative is to use a race belt. This is an elasticated belt worn around your torso. If you are using one of these, you must remember to twist it around after the cycle stage, so that your number is showing on your back during the cycle stage, and on your front during the run stage.

Are number belts/race belts allowed?

Yes, race belts are allowed, but your race number must be clearly visible on your back during the cycle, and on your front during the run stage, otherwise you may be subjected to a 2 minute penalty as per the BTF rules. NB Race numbers must not be cut, trimmed or folded in any way; and please write any medical information on the back of your number.

What is your Transfers/Withdrawals/Refunds Policy?

Xtra Mile Events Transfers/Withdrawals/Refunds Policy
Considerable effort goes into producing an event such as a triathlon. From the moment we receive your entry we expend funds and apply them in good faith in relation to your entry. These costs include fees to the BTF, fees to our payment processing provider, products for goody bags and prizes, venue hire time, and general staffing costs – for example, a significant amount of administration and practical work also starts the moment you enter and continues up until, and even after an event. In respect to any request for a race transfer, withdrawal, and/or refund, we will implement the following policy: This policy has been created in fairness to all the event competitors so that equal opportunity exists for registering for an Xtra Mile Events event. There are no race day registrations or race day transfers for any Xtra Mile events, even if a registered athlete is a "no show" and a slot is available. This policy has been implemented in fairness to all other competitors who registered for the event, to ensure that events start on time, for legal and safety considerations, and for event management. Refunds Refunds will not be issued after a Race Entry has been submitted. However, under certain circumstances, we will happily transfer your entry to another event in the same year, or defer it to the same event the following year. We are very sorry if not giving refunds sounds harsh, but you will find that other organisers will only provide you with a credit note for half your fee and/or do not allow race transfers in the same year at all – so at least we are not that harsh!

Please note the withdrawals and transfers policy for the Greater Manchester Marathon is different and can be found at www.GreaterManchesterMarathon.com

Withdrawals
A withdrawal from an Xtra Mile event can be made at any time prior to an event. Please let us know of your withdrawal in writing as soon as possible (e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ). If your e-mail is dated at least 21 days (or 42 days in the case of a marathon) before the date of the event you have entered, and you are withdrawing, you can request a Race Transfer to another event (instructions for how to do this are below).

Transfer your entry to someone else
Please note that you cannot transfer your entry to anyone else – this includes race day transfers at any Xtra Mile events, even if a registered athlete is a "no show" and a slot is available. We do not allow you to transfer your entry to anyone else for insurance reasons, medical reasons, legal and safety considerations, the amount of administration involved, and for event management.

Transfer your entry to another Xtra Mile Event
We do allow race transfers to other Xtra Mile Events. A race transfer is defined as transferring a competitor's Race Entry from one Xtra Mile event to another Xtra Mile event for any reason (injury, unexpected calendar conflict, etc.) A race transfer can occur under the following conditions: * The request to transfer out of a race must be made in writing 21 days (or 42 in the case of a marathon) or more prior to that scheduled event date (e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ). * No transfers will be allowed outside of this deadline. * The fee for a race transfer is £10.00 and this must be received before the 21 day (or 42 days in the case of a marathon) window for transfer expires. * Where the race being transferred to is more costly than the race being transferred from, this difference must be paid before the Race Transfer can be accepted. * • Where you are transferring from a standard distance triathlon to a sprint distance, duathlon or run race which costs less, there will be no race transfer fee. A request to transfer to another race is no guarantee of a place in the requested event, as places in all events are subject to availability. If you request to transfer to another event, but it is full, we will let you know and you will need to request another event to transfer to. Transfers can be made to any other event race in the current Xtra Mile Events calendar under these conditions. Entrants can transfer to an event in the following year, but the Race Organiser reserves the right to refuse such requests – e.g. when an event may not run the following year. Transfers three weeks away from an event (or 6 weeks away from a marathon) can be managed, but under this time limit a transfer causes considerable issues both monetarily and organizationally as e.g. participant packs have been prepared, race numbers ordered, and much of the logistics relating to number of bike racks, electronic timing chips and other race amenities have begun too. Sorry, but this is why we have a cut-off period. How to make a withdrawal and/or transfer to another Xtra Mile Event: Email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and provide us with the following details: * Name: * Date of birth: * Name of event you are withdrawing from: * Would you like to transfer to another event?: Yes / No * If yes, please state the name of the event which you wish to transfer to: * Which year is the event you wish to transfer to (this year or next year): When we have confirmed (via e-mail) that you may enter the alternative event of your choice, please send a cheque for £10, made payable to “Xtra Mile Events”, as your transfer fee to: Xtra Mile Events 180A Ashley Road, Hale, WA15 9SF We will then e-mail you to confirm receipt of your payment and confirm your entry into the event of your choice.
Thank you very much for your understanding of this policy

The withdrawal policy can be downloaded here

I won a prize, but I didn't attend the Prize Giving - what do I do?

If you won a prize category, in the first instance contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to let us know that you want your prize sent to you. Next send a cheque made payable to "Xtra Mile Events" for £5 (to cover postage and packaging) to: Xtra Mile Events 180A Ashley Road, Hale, WA15 9SF You should then receive your prize within a week.

Can anyone else accompany me into transition?

No, sorry - for security reasons only competitors showing their race numbers are allowed into transition - no friends, family, colleagues or spectators. This ruling and security measure helps to keep your equipment safe and secure in the transition area.

Can I 'jump a red light' during a race?

No, cyclists must obey the Highway Code at all times. You will be penalised if caught breaking it.

Can people come and spectate at your events?

Spectators are always welcomed! There is plenty to keep you entertained, from watching the competitors, to looking around the market stalls.

What time do your events start?

Most start times are displayed on the event details on our website. The Xtra Mile Events Series of triathlons takes place on Sunday mornings. Not all competitors start at the same time: Competitors off in waves of about 20 people, starting with the slowest (approx. 20-min) swimmers first, all the way up to the quickest (approx 5-min) swimmers throughout the morning. The first swimmers start off at 7-8am (slight differences depending on venues) and the last swimmers are off by around 9.30-11am. Due to this staggered start system, the final runners (and finishers of the whole triathlon) are expected in around 11am-12noon. We use this system in order to keep swimmers of similar ability together, so that we can best set out the swim times. Additionally, grouping swimmers by their swim time helps us to not over-run the time we have hired out the pool for, and therefore also helps to ensure that the event runs smoothly. We do not post individual competitor start times on our website, however, individual competitors are e-mailed Compeitor Information Booklets giving all of this information. So if you have friends or family taking part, they will be able to let you know what times they are off at from the information in their booklet. You will find other current details, including route maps, on the separate race details pages from: www.xtramileevents.com/events_calendar.asp

My estimated swim time has changed since I completed the online entry form - what do I do?

This is no problem - we understand that competitor's swim times can change, eg due to injury or increased fitness or ability.If your swim time changes please let us know by at least the closing date of the event (this gives us enough time to set the swim times on the day, which are published in the Race Booklet sent out to competitors). To let us know please contact us via e-mail ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) stating your name, race you entered, your date of birth (so that we can easily identify you), your previously estimated swim time and your new estimated swim time. Please note we cannot change swim times after the closing date has passed.

I haven't received an e-mail confirming my entry - what do I do?

Very occasionally e-mails sent from us are treated as spam e-mails. Please add the address This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to your safe/preferred list of e-mail recipients/contacts; and/or add our e-mail address to your contacts list. Please also check your Junk E-mail folder, as we can sometimes end up in here. If we have ended up here, again please take the action suggested above to make sure that we do not end up in your junk mail folder in the future. Once you have taken these actions, if you still haven't found your confirmation e-mail, please then e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it stating your: Name / Address / Telephone / Event / Type of Entry (individual or relay) / Date (approx) you completed your online Entry Form. We will then look into what has happened, and get back to you within two working days.

I just entered online, but it won't let me enter again - what do I do?

If you have used a credit/debit card for your payement, the reason for your difficulty lies with our payment processing company – who place a five minute delay on placing transactions on the same card for the same amount of money, and this is for security reasons (to stop fraudsters, etc). By the time you have read this, if you try again now you should find that the payment will now be processed. This is a security measure to help prevent fraud. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Do I have to wear a wetsuit for Xtra Mile Events?

For our pool-based events we ask that you do NOT wear a wetsuit - the water temperature is too warm for this piece of equipment. In our Open Water events, the wearing of wetsuits is dependent on water temperature. The minimum water temperature at which wetsuits are optional is 14°C. For most events in the UK we would expect the wearing of wetsuits to be compulsory under BTF rules. The water temperature is displayed in the Race Registration area.

What is the quality of the water that we are swimming in?

We test the water at 3 points along the course to ensure that it complies with new EU bathing water quality standards.

Can under 18-year olds enter your events?

We are sorry but due to Child Protection and Insurance restrictions, we do not currently allow any under 18-year olds to enter our events.