70 Wild Miles 
A charity triathlon;
70 miles, 1 day, 3 challenges.
Bala  
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The Event 

The 70 Wild Miles Challenge is set among some of the most spectacular scenery in Wales.  It is the ultimate fundraising experience during which competitors complete a 47-mile cycle, 10-mile kayak/canoe, and a 13-mile run to finish.   To complete the Triathlon is a huge achievement, and all those who take part go home with stories to tell and an experience to be very proud of.

The event is open to anyone age 16 and over and can be entered by relay teams or individuals.  For some it is purely a race, for some it is purely for fun, but the overall goal is to help improve the lives of everyone affected by cancer. 

The entry fee is £30 and you are asked to pledge a minimum sponsorship of £95.

You don’t have to complete each stage of the event yourself; if cycling is your strength and you know others who could take on the kayak and running segments, why not form a team? 

 

The location 

Bala, a small yet fascinating market town located at the head of its famous lake, Llyn Tegid, is an ideal centre for touring North and Mid-Wales' Mountains, Valleys and Coasts.   

The area is famous for the quality of its watersports facilities, fishing (fly and coarse) walking, cycling, miniature steam railway and offers outstanding value for money high quality accommodation in a variety of properties to suit all pockets and tastes.  

It is surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful countryside, being located within the Snowdonia National Park. 

So what better venue for the 70 Wild Miles Challenge?

 

 

The Course

Each section of the course starts from the shores of Lake Bala, at the Bala Adventure and Watersports Centre with competitors assembling in the centre's car park.

 

The Cycle

The Challenge starts with the cycling route. The route towards Lake Vyrnwy will take your breath away, so make sure you save some energy left to enjoy this stunning backdrop.

The good news is that the cycle course is about 47 miles on fairly quiet public roads. The bad news is that there is a reason that cars don’t drive along this road very often!

This is not a leisurely cycle by any means. Think winding, steep roads with sheer drops and you start to get an idea. With any luck, there will be lots of people taking part, so competitors are sent off at timed intervals Southwards on the B4403 road towards Llanuwchllyn alongside the narrow-gauge Bala Lake Railway. As you pass through the beautiful scenery surrounding Lake Bala you will forget all about those aching thighs.

 


The Canoe 
Lake Bala known in Welsh as 'Llyn Tegid', is the site of the canoe section of the event. Beautiful Bala Lake, crossed by the River Dee, is the largest body of water in Wales, being four miles long and a mile wide. Local legend states that the lake is inhabited by a monster which is known as 'Teggie', so you better paddle quickly!Once all competitors have arrived back at Lake Bala, we kick off stage two of the Challenge: the Canoeing. Lake Bala is the largest natural body of water in Wales, much used by watersports enthusiasts who benefit from the winds sweeping through the mountain valley in which it is set. Competitors will Canoe the length of the Lake and back again.

The Run 

After an extreme cycle route and a wind swept paddle, if you are looking forward to a gentle jog, think again! The run section of the course is just a thrilling as the rest of the Challenge. 
The running section of the Challenge begins at the Bala Adventure and Watersports Centre and heads West down the A494 before turning makes for a rather unusual half marathon course, winding its way through rural country roads.