Frequently Asked Questions

Theres loads of questions surrounding entering the Rainhill Trials - below are some of the ones we get asked about the most.

  • How do I enter The Rainhill Trials

    To enter Rainhill you simply need to either enter the ballot or directly sign up and purchase an athlete ticket to an event when we launch tickets. We do all our events through the Circle 21 app.

    What happens after I get my spot?

    We host all our events on Circle 21 where you can find thorough details on the event.

    What are seedings are do I have to do them

    All of our individual events have seedings workouts which you have to complete approximately 4 weeks before the event. This allows us to place you in the three Rainhill categories where athletes are of similar abilities: Wood, Kennedy and Rocket.

    Can anyone do Rainhill?

    Rainhill is fully inclusive for athletes of all ages and abilities so come play and experience a fitness competition in a big arena atmosphere and behold the most supportive environment imaginable. We have athletes from 16 up to 70+ of varying abilities and fitness backgrounds as well as adaptive athletes - everyone competes together.

    How does it work with Adaptive Athletes?

    Para Athlete means parallel athletes and thats how it works at Rainhill - everyone competes together, doing the same workout. We simply make appropriate bespoke adaptations where needed.

    My invite has expired

    Oh dear! Once your invite has expired, it is automatically offered to another athlete on the ballot list. It may be possible to re-send an invite to you once the ballot has completed. Please email events@trainmanchester.co.uk 

    I can't accept my invite, can I give my invite to someone else?

    No you cannot. The invite is just for you - the person who has entered the ballot. 

    There is a problem with my Circle 21 account

    Please make sure that the email you are using to log into your account is the same one that your invite was sent to.  If you have any technical issues, please reach out directly to Circle 21, they are very responsive

    I have missed the seedings deadline.

    Unfortunately, without your seeding scores we cannot put you into the correct category and you cannot continue to the live event. The deadline for your seedings is on your Circle 21 account and you will be emailed before the deadline to remind you. If you think you have missed the deadline, or there has been a problem submitting your scores, please reach out to us.

    Can I defer my place to another Rainhill competition

    Sadly not. If you cannot take part in the live competition for any reason, we do not offer refunds or deferrals.

  • I am taking part in a competition but haven't received any information about the Live event?

    Please check that you have not unsubscribed from our email system and then reach out so we can help you. Your account on Circle 21 outlines the event in detail and we also email athletes key information in the weeks before the live competition. Note that we do not release the workouts until the last 2-3 weeks before all competitions.

    Can I change an athlete on my team?

    With Teams and Pairs, it is possible for the Team Captain to change an athlete on the team by logging onto their Circle 21 account. This has to be done prior to the seeding deadline so that the new athlete completes seedings to ensure fairness.

    Can I change my Team Name or Affiliate Name?

    Yes, the Team Captain can do this on their Circle 21 account, but any changes made within 2 weeks of the competition will not be reflected in your name boards as they will be printed by that point.

    I am injured and can't take part

    We are sorry to hear about athletes who are injured and can't take part in the live competitions. But due to the seedings process, we can't offer your place to another athlete at short notice. This means that we do not offer refunds or deferrals  

    General Changes

    You MUST us to inform us of any major changes or we might not see that you have changed it on your Circle account. 

    Can I give my individual athlete place to someone else?

    Due to the seedings process for the individual competitions, we cannot change the athlete who is due to compete. 

    I am injured but still want to come and compete

    We do not encourage injured athletes to compete at the Rainhill Trials. Your health and safety is of paramount importance to us. However, continuing to compete is your individual decision.

    Pre-ordered apparel

    All pre ordered apparel will be ready for pickup at the front registration desk at the live event

    Apparel returns

    Because apparel it has been made specifically for you, we do not offer a refund or exchange. 

    Do volunteers get a guaranteed place at a Rainhill competition?

    Absolutely! Volunteers are offered a guaranteed, discounted place at a future Rainhill Trials event. If you help for one day, we give a 33% discount. For helping on two days, we give a 66% discount.  It is not possible to give your discounted invite to another person.