But we\u2019ve had a go and, with the help of the triathlon community, have put together a list of some of the best triathlons in the UK.<\/p>\n
1. Portishead Triathlon<\/strong><\/h3>\nLocation:<\/strong> Portishead, Somerset\u201cFor an extremely well-organised sprint tri event, I\u2019d highly recommend Portishead,\u201d explains Claire Eatock, who raced there in 2016. \u201cThe lido is a great venue for the swim.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFor a step up from a first tri, the cycle route is challenging and hilly, but the view along the coast road is a much-needed boost. The run is beautiful, taking you along the coastal path.\u201d<\/p>\n
See also:<\/strong> Bristol Triathlon<\/p>\n2. London Triathlon<\/strong><\/h3>\n ![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\nLocation:<\/strong> Royal Victoria Dock, LondonThe London Triathlon is one of the biggest city centre triathlons in the world and takes you past iconic landmarks including Tower Bridge, the London Eye and Big Ben.<\/p>\n
A third of competitors are new to the sport and, with thousands of competitors and spectators, the atmosphere is simply electric.<\/p>\n
See also:<\/strong> Leeds Triathlon<\/p>\n3. Craggy Island Triathlon<\/strong><\/h3>\nLocation:<\/strong> Argyll & Bute, Scotland\u201cCraggy Island stands out as an unique event,\u201d says Sean McFarlane, who finished second here in 2016. \u201cThe swim starts on the mainland at Oban across to the gorgeous isle of Kerrera, with an off-road bike and run following.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis format set amidst a spectacular location is hard to beat. Durty Events don\u2019t do dull and the Craggy is the jewel in its crown.\u201d<\/p>\n
See also:<\/strong> Aviemore Triathlon<\/p>\n4.\u00a0Eastbourne Triathlon<\/strong><\/h3>\nLocation:<\/strong> Eastbourne, East Sussex\u201cThe Eastbourne Downs and seaside provided a dramatic backdrop and a challenging course. The race day was a joy with friendly marshals and staff. And the band at the top of the hill on the run was a lovely touch.\u201d Nick Neter, 109th in 2016.<\/p>\n
See also:<\/strong> Brighton & Hove Triathlon<\/p>\n - Free off-season training plan for all levels<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- Free 8-week supersprint training plan<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- Free 8-week sprint triathlon training plan<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>
<\/p><\/div> <\/section>
5.\u00a0Black Country Sprint Triathlon<\/strong><\/h3>\nLocation:<\/strong> Wombourne, Staffordshire\u201cGoing strong for 24 years, the twice-yearly BCT Sprint was where top pro Jodie Stimpson started her career. With a pool swim and flat off-road run the race is also perfect for beginners, and Black Country Triathletes offer training days leading up to both events.\u201d Jack Sexty, 220<\/em> freelancer and Wombourne local.<\/p>\nSee also:<\/strong> Blithfield Triathlon<\/p>\n6.\u00a0Llandudno Sea Triathlon<\/strong><\/h3>\nLocation:<\/strong> Llandudno, Conwy County\u201cLlandudno has a spacious transition and a calm sea swim. The bike has a hill that goes on and on, followed by a fast technical downhill. It has an amazingly well supported run route with a nasty surprise at the halfway mark for the sprint-distance athletes. All in all it\u2019s a cracking race in a beautiful part of the country.\u201d Michael Barnett, 58th in 2016.<\/p>\n
See also:<\/strong> The Gower Triathlon<\/p>\n- 12 week sprint distance training plan for beginners<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- First triathlon training plans for swimmers, cyclists and runners<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>
7. The Slateman<\/strong><\/h3>\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> Credit: Henry Iddon<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\nLocation:<\/strong> Llanberis, Snowdonia\u201cThe Slateman is a personal favourite and showcases all of Snowdonia in all its epic glory. The swim is in the clean 94-foot deep Llyn Padarn, a leg-busting bike follows around the local mountains and the run \u2013 through the comically steep Dinorwig Slate Quarries and Coed Dinorwig woodland \u2013 is like nothing I\u2019ve experienced.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll of this with a hugely supportive local population hollering from the first athlete to the last. There\u2019s a fine post-race hog roast as well\u2026\u201d Matt Baird, 220<\/em> regular and 861st in 2014<\/p>\nSee also:<\/strong> Helvellyn Triathlon<\/p>\n8.\u00a0Croyde Ocean Triathlon<\/strong><\/h3>\nLocation:<\/strong> Croyde, Devon\u201cI\u2019d say the Croyde Ocean Triathlon is the most scenic triathlon in the UK. It features a unique 1.5km ocean swim in a spectacular location with incredible views throughout. And the organisation is fantastic, too. It\u2019s a race that you don\u2019t want to end.\u201d Paul Bisset, 111th in 2016.<\/p>\n
See also:<\/strong> Perranporth Tri<\/p>\n9.\u00a0Windsor Triathlon<\/strong><\/h3>\nLocation:<\/strong> Windsor, Berkshire\u201cHeld since 1991 and perennially popular ever since, no other UK race oozes tri history like Windsor. How often do you get to swim in the shadow of the Queen\u2019s gaff and bike on open roads around the Great Park? And the run is possibly the greatest 10km in UK triathlon, with that beastly Castle hill to be tackled a trio of times.\u201d Matt Baird, 1,319th in 2011<\/p>\n
See also:<\/strong> Blenheim Triathlon<\/p>\n- Windsor Triathlon race tips<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>
10. Bala Standard<\/strong><\/h3>\nLocation:<\/strong> Bala, Gwynedd\u201cThis popular September race attracts beginners and elites alike, with ITU pro David Bishop holding the course record. Starting on the choppy Llyn Tegid, the out-and-back bike and run routes are super fast and flat, perfect for a standard-distance PB.\u201d Jack Sexty, 220<\/em> freelancer and 30th in 2013.<\/p>\n- Bala Standard Triathlon race tips<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>
See also:<\/strong> The Snowman Triathlon<\/p>\n11. Leeds Triathlon<\/strong><\/h3>\n ![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> Credit: Tom Dulat\/Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\nLocation:<\/strong> Leeds, YorkshireIt has to be on this list, doesn\u2019t it? The city is synonymous with triathlon thanks to the success of the Brownlee brothers and the annual race, which is also home to a World Triathlon Championship Series event, is an experience that\u2019s hard to match.<\/p>\n
The huge support makes the atmosphere amount the best in the country, the route is fun and you can catch the pros doing their thing on the same weekend.<\/p>\n
See also:<\/strong> Cardiff Triathlon<\/p>\n12.\u00a0Castle Howard Triathlon<\/strong><\/h3>\nLocation:<\/strong> Castle Howard, Yorkshire\u201cFrom the Castle Triathlon Series organisers, the Castle Howard event boasts a challenging course on quiet, relatively traffic free roads. It\u2019s tough but very rewarding and suitable for all abilities. It also has a stunning location, exceptional organisation and a festival atmosphere offering something for everybody.\u201d John Hardcastle, 33rd in 2016.<\/p>\n
See also:<\/strong> Hever Castle Triathlon<\/p>\n- Free Olympic distance triathlon training plans<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- Olympic race recovery training plan<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>
13. Ironman 70.3 Weymouth<\/strong><\/h3>\nLocation:<\/strong> Weymouth, Dorset\u201cThe gorgeous sunny skies certainly helped but the debut Ironman 70.3 Weymouth in September was a cracking day.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe clear and warm blue waters could\u2019ve been lifted from the Med, the rolling bike leg was like a promotional tour of Dorset\u2019s quaint villages and lush countryside, and the flat half marathon was full of buoyant support and old school seaside charm. Just book your hotel early\u2026\u201d Matt Baird, 220<\/em> regular and 1,000th in 2016.<\/p>\nSee also:<\/strong> Ironman 70.3 Staffordshire<\/p>\n14. The ROC Scotland<\/strong><\/h3>\nLocation:<\/strong> Glencoe, ScotlandAfter a challenge? The ROC is certainly that. The swim takes place in Loch Leven before a 38.5km bike route that features a mix of road and trail, and a healthy helping of some of the best mountain scenery these isles have to offer.<\/p>\n
An ascent and descent of Ben Nevis, Britain\u2019s highest mountain, follows, before a return journey on the bike and a 1km trail fun to finish.<\/p>\n
See also:<\/strong> Jurassicman<\/p>\n15. TITAN Brecon<\/strong><\/h3>\nLocation:<\/strong> Brecon Beacons, WalesA beautiful lake swim, epic bike route and traffic-free run make this a middle-distance race to consider. The bike route is a particular highlight, taking you from the southern end of the Brecon Beacons to the north. In between lies fantastic roads and even better views.<\/p>\n
See also:<\/strong> Ironman 70.3 Swansea<\/p>\n16. The Vitruvian<\/strong><\/h3>\n ![\"""\"]( "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\nLocation:<\/strong> Rutland Water, Leicestershire\u201cThe spectacular setting of Rutland Water in the East Midlands plays hosts to 1,000 racers for this middle-distance classic. The two-lap bike course is rolling with one big climb to contend with, and a flat mixed-terrain run around the lake climaxes with a well-spectated finish line creating a party atmosphere.\u201d Jack Sexty, 88th in 2015.<\/p>\n
See also:<\/strong> The Bala Middle<\/p>\n
\u201cFor an extremely well-organised sprint tri event, I\u2019d highly recommend Portishead,\u201d explains Claire Eatock, who raced there in 2016. \u201cThe lido is a great venue for the swim.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFor a step up from a first tri, the cycle route is challenging and hilly, but the view along the coast road is a much-needed boost. The run is beautiful, taking you along the coastal path.\u201d<\/p>\n
See also:<\/strong> Bristol Triathlon<\/p>\n Location:<\/strong> Royal Victoria Dock, London The London Triathlon is one of the biggest city centre triathlons in the world and takes you past iconic landmarks including Tower Bridge, the London Eye and Big Ben.<\/p>\n A third of competitors are new to the sport and, with thousands of competitors and spectators, the atmosphere is simply electric.<\/p>\n See also:<\/strong> Leeds Triathlon<\/p>\n Location:<\/strong> Argyll & Bute, Scotland \u201cCraggy Island stands out as an unique event,\u201d says Sean McFarlane, who finished second here in 2016. \u201cThe swim starts on the mainland at Oban across to the gorgeous isle of Kerrera, with an off-road bike and run following.<\/p>\n \u201cThis format set amidst a spectacular location is hard to beat. Durty Events don\u2019t do dull and the Craggy is the jewel in its crown.\u201d<\/p>\n See also:<\/strong> Aviemore Triathlon<\/p>\n Location:<\/strong> Eastbourne, East Sussex \u201cThe Eastbourne Downs and seaside provided a dramatic backdrop and a challenging course. The race day was a joy with friendly marshals and staff. And the band at the top of the hill on the run was a lovely touch.\u201d Nick Neter, 109th in 2016.<\/p>\n See also:<\/strong> Brighton & Hove Triathlon<\/p>\n <\/p><\/div> <\/section> Location:<\/strong> Wombourne, Staffordshire \u201cGoing strong for 24 years, the twice-yearly BCT Sprint was where top pro Jodie Stimpson started her career. With a pool swim and flat off-road run the race is also perfect for beginners, and Black Country Triathletes offer training days leading up to both events.\u201d Jack Sexty, 220<\/em> freelancer and Wombourne local.<\/p>\n See also:<\/strong> Blithfield Triathlon<\/p>\n Location:<\/strong> Llandudno, Conwy County \u201cLlandudno has a spacious transition and a calm sea swim. The bike has a hill that goes on and on, followed by a fast technical downhill. It has an amazingly well supported run route with a nasty surprise at the halfway mark for the sprint-distance athletes. All in all it\u2019s a cracking race in a beautiful part of the country.\u201d Michael Barnett, 58th in 2016.<\/p>\n See also:<\/strong> The Gower Triathlon<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Location:<\/strong> Llanberis, Snowdonia \u201cThe Slateman is a personal favourite and showcases all of Snowdonia in all its epic glory. The swim is in the clean 94-foot deep Llyn Padarn, a leg-busting bike follows around the local mountains and the run \u2013 through the comically steep Dinorwig Slate Quarries and Coed Dinorwig woodland \u2013 is like nothing I\u2019ve experienced.<\/p>\n \u201cAll of this with a hugely supportive local population hollering from the first athlete to the last. There\u2019s a fine post-race hog roast as well\u2026\u201d Matt Baird, 220<\/em> regular and 861st in 2014<\/p>\n See also:<\/strong> Helvellyn Triathlon<\/p>\n Location:<\/strong> Croyde, Devon \u201cI\u2019d say the Croyde Ocean Triathlon is the most scenic triathlon in the UK. It features a unique 1.5km ocean swim in a spectacular location with incredible views throughout. And the organisation is fantastic, too. It\u2019s a race that you don\u2019t want to end.\u201d Paul Bisset, 111th in 2016.<\/p>\n See also:<\/strong> Perranporth Tri<\/p>\n Location:<\/strong> Windsor, Berkshire \u201cHeld since 1991 and perennially popular ever since, no other UK race oozes tri history like Windsor. How often do you get to swim in the shadow of the Queen\u2019s gaff and bike on open roads around the Great Park? And the run is possibly the greatest 10km in UK triathlon, with that beastly Castle hill to be tackled a trio of times.\u201d Matt Baird, 1,319th in 2011<\/p>\n See also:<\/strong> Blenheim Triathlon<\/p>\n Location:<\/strong> Bala, Gwynedd \u201cThis popular September race attracts beginners and elites alike, with ITU pro David Bishop holding the course record. Starting on the choppy Llyn Tegid, the out-and-back bike and run routes are super fast and flat, perfect for a standard-distance PB.\u201d Jack Sexty, 220<\/em> freelancer and 30th in 2013.<\/p>\n See also:<\/strong> The Snowman Triathlon<\/p>\n Location:<\/strong> Leeds, Yorkshire It has to be on this list, doesn\u2019t it? The city is synonymous with triathlon thanks to the success of the Brownlee brothers and the annual race, which is also home to a World Triathlon Championship Series event, is an experience that\u2019s hard to match.<\/p>\n The huge support makes the atmosphere amount the best in the country, the route is fun and you can catch the pros doing their thing on the same weekend.<\/p>\n See also:<\/strong> Cardiff Triathlon<\/p>\n Location:<\/strong> Castle Howard, Yorkshire \u201cFrom the Castle Triathlon Series organisers, the Castle Howard event boasts a challenging course on quiet, relatively traffic free roads. It\u2019s tough but very rewarding and suitable for all abilities. It also has a stunning location, exceptional organisation and a festival atmosphere offering something for everybody.\u201d John Hardcastle, 33rd in 2016.<\/p>\n See also:<\/strong> Hever Castle Triathlon<\/p>\n Location:<\/strong> Weymouth, Dorset \u201cThe gorgeous sunny skies certainly helped but the debut Ironman 70.3 Weymouth in September was a cracking day.<\/p>\n \u201cThe clear and warm blue waters could\u2019ve been lifted from the Med, the rolling bike leg was like a promotional tour of Dorset\u2019s quaint villages and lush countryside, and the flat half marathon was full of buoyant support and old school seaside charm. Just book your hotel early\u2026\u201d Matt Baird, 220<\/em> regular and 1,000th in 2016.<\/p>\n See also:<\/strong> Ironman 70.3 Staffordshire<\/p>\n Location:<\/strong> Glencoe, Scotland After a challenge? The ROC is certainly that. The swim takes place in Loch Leven before a 38.5km bike route that features a mix of road and trail, and a healthy helping of some of the best mountain scenery these isles have to offer.<\/p>\n An ascent and descent of Ben Nevis, Britain\u2019s highest mountain, follows, before a return journey on the bike and a 1km trail fun to finish.<\/p>\n See also:<\/strong> Jurassicman<\/p>\n Location:<\/strong> Brecon Beacons, Wales A beautiful lake swim, epic bike route and traffic-free run make this a middle-distance race to consider. The bike route is a particular highlight, taking you from the southern end of the Brecon Beacons to the north. In between lies fantastic roads and even better views.<\/p>\n See also:<\/strong> Ironman 70.3 Swansea<\/p>\n Location:<\/strong> Rutland Water, Leicestershire \u201cThe spectacular setting of Rutland Water in the East Midlands plays hosts to 1,000 racers for this middle-distance classic. The two-lap bike course is rolling with one big climb to contend with, and a flat mixed-terrain run around the lake climaxes with a well-spectated finish line creating a party atmosphere.\u201d Jack Sexty, 88th in 2015.<\/p>\n See also:<\/strong> The Bala Middle<\/p>\n2. London Triathlon<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/34\/2020\/05\/12149-24a2bf9.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C378"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n3. Craggy Island Triathlon<\/strong><\/h3>\n
4.\u00a0Eastbourne Triathlon<\/strong><\/h3>\n
5.\u00a0Black Country Sprint Triathlon<\/strong><\/h3>\n
6.\u00a0Llandudno Sea Triathlon<\/strong><\/h3>\n
7. The Slateman<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>8.\u00a0Croyde Ocean Triathlon<\/strong><\/h3>\n
9.\u00a0Windsor Triathlon<\/strong><\/h3>\n
10. Bala Standard<\/strong><\/h3>\n
11. Leeds Triathlon<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>12.\u00a0Castle Howard Triathlon<\/strong><\/h3>\n
13. Ironman 70.3 Weymouth<\/strong><\/h3>\n
14. The ROC Scotland<\/strong><\/h3>\n
15. TITAN Brecon<\/strong><\/h3>\n
16. The Vitruvian<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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