SUPBIKERUN Devon 2025: Heat, Hills, and High Fives
This summer I took on something new – my first SUPBIKERUN event. Set in the heart of Devon at Roadford Lake, the challenge combines stand-up paddleboarding, cycling, and running into one epic day of adventure. The format may not follow a traditional triathlon, but it demands just as much endurance, versatility, and grit – especially when nature decides to throw in 30°C heat for good measure.
Table Of Content
- 🌄 Friday: Hitting the Road and Setting Up Camp
- 🏕 Campsite Review: Evergreen Farm
- 🎽 Saturday Morning: Registration & Getting Set
- 🗓 Saturday: Prep, Paddle & a Trip to the Coast
- 🔥 Sunday: Race Day in the Heat
- 🏄 SUP – 6km | Time: 50:41
- 🚴 Bike – 42km | Time: 1:45:17
- 🏃 Run – Shortened Due to Heat | Time: 37:19
- 📊 Final Results
- 💙 Raising Awareness for Acoustic Neuromas
Here’s a look back at a weekend full of sweat, smiles, and self-discovery.
🌄 Friday: Hitting the Road and Setting Up Camp
The adventure began with a Friday evening drive down from the Midlands to Evergreen Farm Campsite, just a short hop from the race venue. Tucked away in the Devon countryside, this peaceful spot was ideal for a weekend of camping and competition.
I stayed two nights and used Friday evening to stretch out, hydrate, and get mentally ready for what was to come.
🏕 Campsite Review: Evergreen Farm
If you’re heading to a SUPBIKERUN event at Roadford Lake, I’d absolutely recommend staying at Evergreen Farm. The site is only about a 7-minute drive from the lake, which made race day logistics simple and stress-free.
The facilities were clean, tidy, and well-kept, including hot showers and a great washing-up area. I had an electric hook-up, which was ideal for powering my cool box and charging devices over the weekend.
A big shoutout to Pete, the owner, who was incredibly helpful and friendly – the kind of host who genuinely wants you to enjoy your stay and makes sure everything runs smoothly.
Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just looking for a base near the action, Evergreen Farm is a hidden gem worth bookmarking.
🎽 Saturday Morning: Registration & Getting Set
Before heading onto the water, my first stop on Saturday was to collect my race registration pack at Roadford Lake. SUPBIKERUN had everything well organised – I was able to grab my race bib, timing chip, and course map without any hassle. It’s always a small but satisfying moment when you clip on that event band and things start to feel real.
🗓 Saturday: Prep, Paddle & a Trip to the Coast
The day started bright and early with a SUP taster session at Roadford Lake. While not mandatory, I was keen to test out the water, fine-tune my paddle technique, and get a feel for how the board would handle in race conditions. The lake was calm, the sun was already out, and it was a great way to loosen up ahead of the big day.
With everything in hand and still some time before lunch, I decided to walk the trail run route. It was a valuable move – the course had some exposed sections, a few uneven trails, and one or two places that would definitely feel tougher in Sunday’s heat. Getting eyes on the terrain ahead of time gave me a bit of a mental edge for race day.
Later that afternoon, I caught up with a fellow entrant I already knew from back home. One quick chat turned into a spontaneous road trip to Bude for some beach downtime – and when someone offers you sea breeze and an ice cream on a 30°C day, how can you say no?
That evening, back at the campsite, something really heartwarming happened. The family pitched up next to me noticed I was solo camping and kindly invited me over for a BBQ. It was a great way to unwind, chat about the event, and share good food with good people. Sometimes, it’s the unplanned moments like this that really make the weekend memorable.
🔥 Sunday: Race Day in the Heat
Race day arrived with clear blue skies… and a relentless wall of heat. By mid-morning, temperatures were soaring past 30°C. I knew it was going to be a tough one.
The SUPBIKERUN Devon event follows a format of:
-
6km Stand-Up Paddleboard
-
42km Road Cycle
-
10km Trail Run
All centred around Roadford Lake, the course is scenic but no joke. The organisers had created a well-marked, well-supported loop, with hydration stations and great marshals throughout. Each stage had its own personality – and its own set of challenges.
🏄 SUP – 6km | Time: 50:41
The paddleboard leg started strong. The lake was calm, the sun was already high, and I found a steady rhythm early on. I’d trained for this – but this was a reminder that SUPing for over 50 minutes under blazing sunshine is no small feat. I focused on smooth strokes, efficient breathing, and conserving energy for the miles ahead.
🚴 Bike – 42km | Time: 1:45:17
Next up was the bike leg – and this was where the real grit kicked in. The route wound through beautiful Devon lanes, but it wasn’t just a joy ride. Around the halfway mark came a brutal 8–9% summit climb that stretched on longer than expected. Legs burning, sun beating down – it was one of those climbs where you’re thankful for every gear on the cassette.
Despite the challenge, I managed to keep a strong pace, fuel well, and stay focused. The downhill sections afterwards felt glorious and well-earned.
🏃 Run – Shortened Due to Heat | Time: 37:19
The final leg is where things got real. Coming off the bike into T2 (05:18), I could already feel the heat catching up with me. Less than 2km into the trail run, my calves started to twinge with signs of cramping. I made the decision that I’ve learned the hard way in the past: don’t be a hero.
Rather than push through and risk injury, I cut the run short. Not the full 10K – but a smart decision in the moment. As much as I wanted to finish the course in full, finishing healthy and safe was far more important.
📊 Final Results
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| SUP | 50:41 |
| T1 | 05:45 |
| Bike | 1:45:17 |
| T2 | 05:18 |
| Run | 37:19 (shortened) |
| Overall | 3:24:17 |
| Moving Time | 3:13:16 |
💙 Raising Awareness for Acoustic Neuromas
This wasn’t just a personal challenge – it was part of something bigger.
I’m living with an acoustic neuroma, a rare brain tumour that can cause hearing loss, balance problems, and more. Through events like this, I’ve been raising money and awareness for BANA UK – British Acoustic Neuroma Association, an amazing charity that supports people like me across the country.
At the time of writing this, I’ve raised over £1,600, and I’m blown away by the kindness and generosity shown by everyone who donated. A huge thank you to every single person who sponsored me – especially those I’ve never even met. Some of the messages left by complete strangers, sharing their own experiences with acoustic neuroma or showing support for a loved one, genuinely moved me.
Knowing that my small efforts resonated with others in the AN community – and beyond – has meant more than I can express. You made this more than just a race.
I had planned to wear my BANA t-shirt on the day, but with the heat and a tri suit already on, it just wasn’t practical to layer up. The intention and the cause were never far from my mind throughout the race.
If you’d still like to sponsor me and support BANA, there’s still time to donate here:
👉https://www.justgiving.com/page/chasethehare
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