Straight off we need to tell you this event is sold out, on top of that it is also rescheduled for October. The good news is though, the waiting list has reopened, so you still have a chance to take part. We’ll tell you how to get on that shortly. We’ll also tell you of another way you can get yourself into the battle. As a spectator event though, BATTLE ON THE BEACH is fantastic and well worth going along to watch and cheer the competitors along.
This is actually the seventh battle and happens on the weekend after Easter. As with every year they pick a date where the tides suit, giving the lowest possible tide, which means the fastest sand while the race start from Midday.
Some things are back, better than ever and some good old favourites never change…..
Rotor Battle in the Dark – The Rotor Bike Components are back as Battle in the Dark sponsor. The TT event has become extremely popular over the previous 3 years. The first rider is expected to start at 20:30, just after sunset and all riders will be set off at 10 second intervals. £100 prize for fastest male & female riders with prizes for 10th, 20th, 30th and so on.
Saturday Night Entertainment – With the night race in full swing there will be live music to allow everyone to make the most of the weekend. A range of catering suppliers will be on site and a bar for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Youth Races – Once again races available for all ages from balance bikes at noon on Sunday to kick the weekend off moving up to U8, U10 and U12 to U14 events taking place on Saturday afternoon. Ages 14+ can take part in the main event.
What stays the same – Everything that makes the event unique will remain the same. A mass start with 3 laps of a 15km course for all standard categories (2 laps for fun race). All bikes are welcome and all take part in the same race. Mountain bikes, cross bikes, tandems, fat bikes, beach racers and everything in between.
Longer course – The 3 lap course stays, with the final 3rd lap being different but all 3 will be extended up around 1km per lap. This should help ease congestion and ensure traffic free racing for all.
Seeded places – The first major seeded places change since the events inception. As with previous years, riders within the top 60 male, top 10 female as well as top 3 in any age categories that do not automatically qualify. There will be the option to apply to be seeded among the front group also, details will be available in January. For the first time there will be 3 tiers of seeded places available rather than 2 as per previous events.
Larger prize purse – Fancy yourself as a winner? The top prize, which includes equal prize money for open male & female categories will be £1000! Cash prizes remain down to 5th place.
One way to get a guaranteed entry to the event is to provide a volunteer. By providing a volunteer, the organisers will give an entry and full weekend camping for free.
For those who want to get involved at Battle on the Beach, but are not planning on taking part, then volunteering is the perfect way to get stuck in and really be a part of the event and become a valued member of the team.
As with any major event, they rely on volunteers giving their time to help things run smoothly by marshalling or helping in the arena. With Battle on the Beach gaining popularity they need many more volunteers to assist around the venue. Examples of the roles required are: course marshal, car park attendant, rider registration assistant or general arena help. Most roles require volunteers to be available for the entire day, 9am to 4pm.
If anyone (over 18) is interested and able to help over the weekend (either Saturday or Sunday), they would love you to get in touch. Under 18’s are also welcome to help, but must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
They will provide the following to anyone who volunteers on the event weekend:
- Up to 2 nights free camping across the weekend
- Free car parking across the weekend
- Packed lunch or meal voucher
- Free entry to the 2020 or 2021 Battle on the Beach (transferable to another person)
If you would like to volunteer in any way, the process is really simple, just fill in the form here. VOLUNTEER
As you can see BATTLE ON THE BEACH is amazing to do but equally to help or spectate at. It’s held at Pembrey Country Park on Saturday October 3rd from 12 noon and Sunday 4th from 3pm. If you can get a place, outside of volunteering, it’ll cost between £42.99 – £85.39. If you’d like more details just head along to their site. BATTLE