River Itchen Biathlon 2019
The 14th annual River Itchen Biathlon took place on Saturday September 21st 2019.
Five teams challenged the Navigation Way, from the source at Cheriton to the sea, running then swimming in teams of five. Despite one team loosing two runners the event was a great success in scorching sunshine and an extra £1400 raised to swell the channel swimming fund, now standing at £6,927.00
The River Itchen Biathlon is a charity team relay from the source of the River Itchen to the sea. The 25 mile (40k) trail begins at Cheriton and follows the Navigation Way along the River Itchen. When the river meets the sea, swimmers take over and race to the finish at the slipway on Priory Road, St Denys, Southampton.
Helping to raise funds for the local Countess Mountbatten Cancer Hospice and Society of St James will be teams with sponsorship from local companies and suppliers.
The unusual team event calculates the finishing times over the age of the participants, so the winning team is the best NET time. There is also an award for the fastest overall team, irrespective of age.
The event starts at the Flowerpots in Cheriton and finishes at the Junction Inn in St.Denys. A BBQ is provided in the garden of the Junction Inn and showers/changing facilities donated by St.Denys Community Centre.
Saturday September 21st 2019
Cheriton To Itchen Abbas 1100 (11k)
Itchen Abbas to Three Tuns Car park Winchester starts 1215 (9.5k)
Winchester to Eastleigh Rugby club, Bishopstoke 1330 (10k)
Bishopstoke to Priory Road slipway St.Denys 1445 (8.25k)
Swim from slipway under Northam Bridge and back 1545 (<2k)
Swim 3.45pm
Teams of five or less for the whole relay. Each runner MUST carry a mobile phone with route.