Frequently Asked Questions
Who can enter the event?
Anyone can enter the event? It is, however, aimed at people working in disciplines related to healthcare. This may be as a person working in a hospital or general practice, the pharmaceutical industry or in care homes or medical charities. However, if you are not related to any of these, raising money for a charity will suffice.
Do I need to participate in all four sports?
No, that would not be possible. The sailing regatta takes place over two days so anyone participating in that cannot participate in either of the other two land based events. You can participate in both land based events if you want to.
Can my team participate in all four sports?
Yes, a team can and there will be an overall prize for those who do best in the land based events.
Will there be prizes?
Yes, there will be prizes for individuals in individual events and prizes for the teams.
Can I help?
We are always looking for volunteers to help and if you would like to help by making people aware of this event or helping with the organisation. At this time we are looking for race marshals and general organisation. Also anyone who might provide a band or entertainment would be most welcome.
Will there be places to park?
Yes there will be places to park within a reasonable distance of the Royal Lymington Yacht Club. If there are disabled participants it is advisable to contact the organisers beforehand.
Cycling
Can I use my mountain bike?
There will be a decision made as to the cycle timed trial regarding the types of bikes that are taking part?
How fit do I have to be to do a timed trial?
The intention is to encourage people to take part and have funas well as having some really good cyclists. Therefore as long as you can complete the distance you will be welcome.
How difficult is 10 miles?
This is an easily achievable distance for most cyclists on the flat and the New Forest is not that hilly. Though not perfectly flat either!
Do I need to bring my own bike?
Yes, though bikes may be hired locally. Contact the organisers for further information.
Are there age groups?
The age groups start at age 35 for women and 40 for men and will be in 10 year bands.
Can I bring my family?
Yes, the event should be fun for all those coming to visit. There are many things going on round the Lymington area and lots of good places to eat and drink.
Aquathon
How far is the swim and run and how much training do I need to do?
The swim will be the equivalent of 8 lengths of an Olympic sized pool. The 10k run is the same as run by many charities and easily achievable by most though it is certainly advisable to do some training beforehand.
What is the Lymington Sea water pool?
The Lymington Sea Water Baths are the largest sea water baths along the South coast and date back to the 1780s. They were originally marketed by Mrs Beeston as "strengthening" and many customer soon visited from all over England in order to improve their health in the water and mud.
Will there be somewhere to change?
The change over area will be next to the Royal Lymington Yacht Club.
Do I have to both the swimming and the running?
No you don’t but if you are only doing one half of the aquathon you need to find a partner to do the other half. One can therefore do the swim and the other one the run.
Sailing
What will happen if the weather is too bad to sail?
In the summer this is rare but sometimes there is too little wind and racing will be abandoned early. There are many things to do in Lymington and on this particular weekend there is an arts festival as well.
If I want to sail and have no boat or fellow crew can I do so?
There will be a crew list held in the Health4 Health organisers office for those who want to be connected to boats needing crew.
How do I get crew for my boat?
There will be a boat register and crew list held in the Health 4 Health organisers office for boats who want crew.
Do I need special insurance to race for a corporate team?
If you are chartering a boat, insurance is generally not a problem. More information can be obtained on this from the organisers. Both water and land based events are managed by organisations who run many similar events and are familiar with all required procedures.
Charities
What charity can I support?
You can support any charity with a link to healthcare. It must however be a legitimate charity and you do need to tell us and also tell us how much you have raised? We would like to provide a list of all charities we support on our charities web page and therefore we would be pleased if you could send us any information you have available on your chosen charity.
How can I give money?
You can set up an account on Just Giving, information is given on our charities page. Or you can just make a donation.