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Known for its sweeping coastlines and historic stately home, Holkham creates a stunning setting for Outlaw’s weekend of family-friendly multisport.
Not only does this beautiful North Norfolk location offer the perfect escape from the everyday grind, the gently rolling countryside offers a course which is challenging yet packed with PB potential. Alongside the flagship middle distance triathlon, you’ll also find a gravel sprint triathlon, a 10km running race, an Aquabike option and the Future Outlaw kids race on offer over the course of the weekend. With plenty of family-friendly attractions nearby, Outlaw Half Holkham is the ultimate weekend away for tri clubs and families alike.
Location - coastal getaway
Coastal meets countryside. Nestled a stone’s throw from the stunning coastline, the Holkham Estate is a vibrant tourist spot – and for good reason. From the expansive beach to the thriving nature reserve, with the iconic backdrop of the historic Holkham Hall. This North Norfolk location offers the perfect coastal getaway to relax and unwind pre- and post-race.
Easily accessible from the south via the M11, driving routes from other directions can be a touch slow – but it’s well worth the trip to experience all that Holkham has to offer. The nearest train stations (Cromer and Sheringham) can be accessed via Norwich. Meanwhile King’s Lynn has direct trains from London and Cambridge. The stations have direct bus lines to Holkham Hall, so if you’re keen to ditch the car this coastal town is still pretty well-connected.
Bespoke on-site camping provides the ultimate in convenient race weekend accommodation. The pre-race meal on the Saturday night is just a short stroll away from the on-site camping. Taking place inside Holkham Hall, you’ll find restaurant-quality food alongside a Q&A with pro triathletes to get you fuelled up and inspired for race day. You’ll be sleeping more or less next door to transition, which makes for a stress-free race morning. Plus, you can also keep hold of your pitch until after your race, which gives you the chance to have a shower before you head home.
If camping isn’t your bag, the nearby sea-side towns such as Wells-next-the-Sea or Blakeney offer plenty of B&B options – each conveniently equipped with a branch of local favourite artisan bakery, the Two Magpies, for all your coffee and pastry needs.
With a new sprint gravel triathlon, a 10km race and the children’s Future Outlaw events all taking place on the Saturday before the flagship middle distance event on the Sunday, Outlaw Holkham is a great weekend away for tri clubs or sporty families – with something for everyone to get involved with.
Course - rolling scenery
Ideal for first-timers and experienced triathletes alike. A time trial start makes for an uncongested swim. Meanwhile the rolling terrain on the bike and the run creates a course which is challenging but fast compared to hillier counterparts. Add in a compact transition zone and this is a course primed with PB potential.
The owner of Holkham Estate, the 8th Earl of Leicester, is a triathlete himself and often comes out to watch the event. So spectators can expect to be in fine company!
Swim - 1.2 MILES
The picturesque 1-lap lake swim takes place within the Holkham Estate, set against the impressive Holkham Hall. A time trial format means no “washing machine” chaos to contend with at the start, and the very short run up to transition adds to this race’s PB potential.
BIke - 56 MILES
While the exact bike course for 2024 is yet to be revealed, one thing you can count on is a rolling ride through some of the best countryside and coastal roads North Norfolk has to offer. With approximately 2122ft/647m of climbing, this is a bike course which is fast but holds enough undulation to keep things interesting.
Run - 13.1 MILES
The 13.1 mile run at Outlaw Half Holkham takes you on an adventure on roads and tracks through the Holkham Estate. The three lap course passes by the iconic Obelisk and the Hall itself, with plenty of opportunities for your support crew to cheer you on. The scenery and the atmosphere soon counteract any fatigue from the undulations or the mixed terrain.
Spectators - unspoilt beaches and classic coastal charm
Spectators at Outlaw Half Holkham have plenty of choice when it comes to race weekend activities. Middle distance support crews can get active themselves with the shorter distance multisport and running events taking place the day before. Visitor attractions within the Holkham Estate including a walled garden, a high ropes course and the Hall itself offer plenty to keep you busy over the course of the weekend.
The Event Village is located directly next to transition and the lake, making it easy for you to see your athlete on the swim and off on their way out of transition. Nearby beaches and nature reserves are the perfect place to while away the time while they’re out on the bike course. Competitors will also pass by the Event Village three times during the run so you can set up camp and cheer them on with each lap. Canine support crews are also more than welcome, with dogs allowed at Holkham Estate and on the camp site. Disabled parking is also available, with the compact nature of the event making it relatively accessible – though the organisers do recommend you contact them in advance.
Race-cation - unspoilt beaches and classic coastal charm
Make the most of the region’s famously stunning coastlines, with miles of unspoilt sandy beaches and regular seal-spotting boat trips. Outside of the acres of parkland offered by the Holkham Estate itself, the Holkham Nature Reserve covers around 4,000 hectares, with plenty of footpaths for you to explore the diverse terrain of sand dunes and pinewoods.
Popular seaside towns such as Wells-next-the-Sea, Cromer and Holt provide a dash of seaside charm. And the North Norfolk steam railway at nearby Sheringham gives visitors a chance to step back in time. Adding to the feeling of having truly escaped from the regular daily routine.
Staying close to the Holkham Estate, if you’ve got the energy post-race you can take to the tree tops on the high ropes course or ditch the race machine and hire a more comfortable bike to explore the park in a more leisurely manner.
For that all-important post-race refuel, The Victoria within the Holkham Estate offers delicious, locally-sourced food. Or to get your fresh seafood fix, take a trip to Wells-next-the-Sea for a meal at the Wells Crab House – recently named as winner of Best Seafood Establishment and Restaurant of the Year at The Food Awards England 2023.
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