Cholmondeley Castle | Starter Triathlon
Get active in the beautiful grounds and surrounding area of stunning Cheshire in a Starter Triathlon! Bring your friends and celebrate completing your challenge in the festival village.
Sign up for £80-£120
Enter now- Sat 20 Jun 2026
10:15
Age 15 & over on 31 Dec 2026
£80-£120
- 200 m lake swimming
- 14 km road cycling + 387 ft ascent
- 2.5 km road running
Event overview
Join in at the Cholmondeley Castle Multisport Event to race through the beautiful 500-acre parklands and surrounding area of stunning Cheshire.
Pick your discipline – triathlon, duathlon, aquabike, aquathlon, swim and run – and choose a distance. Recruit your friends and celebrate completing your challenge in the festival village.
Throughout the Cholmondeley Castle Multisport Event athletes and spectators can enjoy a fun-packed festival village, right in the heart of this beautiful estate, featuring live music, shopping, food and drink, children’s entertainment, yoga and more.
This Cheshire castle has been home to the Cholmondeley Family since the 12th Century and its grounds feature Deer Park Mere which is a beautiful setting for our open water swim. To the south of the castle lies Tower Hill, the highest point of the run routes, where athletes are rewarded with panoramic views of the Beeston and Peckforton Hills.
This event is part of Cholmondeley Castle Triathlon and Multisport Festival.
Event photos
- Average fitness
- Beginner-friendly
- Event village
- Families
- Spectators
- Swim hat provided
- Teams
- Wetsuit not allowed if too hot
- Wetsuit required if too cold
Anyone of any gender, age or ability is welcome and safe to take part in a race. First-timers and old-timers, the next generation and the elites, clubs and corporates, schools and seniors are welcome. The more the merrier.
Clubs
Discounts and club event areas.
All sports clubs are welcome to take part in the events and group discounts are available, tailored waves for club championships, trading places scheme, as well as allocating you a place to pitch gazebos for a meeting spot in the event village.
Corporates
Creating healthy teams.
There are opportunities for companies to experience the events together – a great way to build team morale and friendly competition. This can include group booking discounts, pre- and post-race refreshment from your own hospitality marquee, your own company wave, custom kit and more.
Accessible racing
Racing for all.
This event has an ethos of accessibility and inclusivity and wants to be able to offer a race for everyone. Many inspirational paratriathletes have taken part in one of the Castle Triathlon Series races over the years including Paralympian Matthew Emmerson, the Band of Brothers and Band of Sisters – injured and wounded service men and women.
First timers
Compete or complete.
There are starter distances across all disciplines and a very supportive community of athletes and marshals to help you feel confident and comfortable completing your first race.
Juniors
The next generation.
From jumping in a lake, cycling through the woods to running around a castle, there are unforgettable, accessible races for 9–16 year olds at amazing locations.
Elites
Races for champions.
Rising stars and athletes have raced in the Castle Race Series from the very beginning. Many of these triathlon events host qualifying and national championships races in partnership with the BTF, TI and FF Tri, and the obstacle race is now a OCR World Championship Qualifier.
Female focussed
Closing the gap.
Over the last few years female participation has been increased to 38% by adding a greater variety of distances, female-only waves, launching the virtual series and making strategic partnerships.
Armed Forces
Race savings.
Discounts are offered on races to those who are serving or have served in the armed forces.
Bike hire
Choose between a road, hybrid or carbon road bike. If you don't have a bike or prefer not to have the hassle of transporting yours, bike hire is the perfect option.
Photography
Photographers are on-site to capture you in action!
Medals and prizes
Podium presentations take place for all races. All participants receive a medal which can be personalised with your name and finish time.
Training advice
Tri Training Harder help athletes prepare for this event through different coaching packages which include race specific training plans, pre-event training sessions and a virtual training club.
Merchandise
Race kit: Train for your race in Castle Race Series Kit and purchase a finisher t-shirt to make sure everyone knows you've conquered the castle!
Wetsuit hire
10% discount code. Adventure Kit Hire is the quick, easy and affordable solution to making sure you have a high-performance technical wetsuit for your race.
Buy wetsuits
15% discount with Yonda.
Spectators
A fantastic day out! Supporters are welcome to come along, explore the stunning castle grounds, cheer athletes on from numerous up close viewing spots, enjoy the event village entertainment and soak up the festival atmosphere.
- First aid
- Marshals
- Wave start
- GPX available
GPX route
The route is displayed on the map above.
Swim
Saturday - Adult tri and multi-sports

Cycle
Saturday and Sunday Adult

Run
Saturday Adult races

- Entertainment
- Music
- Park
- Rural
Event HQ
Cholmondeley Castle Gardens
Cheshire
Malpas
Cheshire
SY14 8AH
UK
Camping
From £30 per pitch.
There is a family campsite for tents and caravans in the gorgeous castle grounds with pitches starting at £30.
- Chip timing
- Medal
Included
- Race bib
- Numbered labels
- Swim hat
- Chip timing device
- Event wristband
Available on the day
This event is more than just the race! There's an event village for you and your supporters to enjoy, featuring:
- Shopping village
- Drinks and refreshments
- Delicious food
- Live music
- Prizes for the fastest athletes
- Opportunity to purchase official event merchandise
- Opportunity to purchase official race photos
You will need
If you are not already a member of British Triathlon, you will need:
- British Triathlon Federation Race Pass - £8 Adult / £2 Junior
This doesn't apply to run-only and swim-only events.
This was my first triathlon and I really enjoyed it. The event was well organised and there was lots of information available before and on the day. Danielle W
First triathlon event - it felt well organised and the marshals were great especially those who were in the more isolated parts of the bike course. There was a good amount of feed stations around the bike course and enough for the run for sure. Joe M
This was my second time doing the sprint triathlon at Cholmondeley Castle, it's a fast cycle route and well sign posted but I always do a recky the day before just to make sure I know the route. Run off road and challenging last km. Steve C
Very well organised event in a beautiful location. All staff & marshals were friendly and helpful. Andy M
First time at this Castles venue for me, I'd always been intrigued. Wasn't disappointed, its fabulous as usual. TC_Anthony G
First time doing the Castle Race Series and it didn't disappoint. It was well run from start to finish, great information prior to the event, registration was smooth and seamless, and the event was well organised. Emma D
This was my second year doing the Olympic distance, I'll be moving on to a different triathlon event next year but I'd highly recommend this event weekend to anyone new to the sports on offer or for the fun and family friendly environment. Deiniol W
Have been racing triathlon on and off with the Castle Series since its inception. First time doing the Gauntlet. Joanne H
First time with the castle series, fantastic event, not overwhelming like I'd expect an Ironman to be. Catherine W
Absolutely amazing event. The organisation and smooth running of the day is second to none. Jonathan T
Great event. Lovely atmosphere. All marshals super helpful. H R
Back at Cholmondeley after many years. Great race, venue and course. Nick M
This is a well organised event, very beginner friendly, great bike course with super views and lovely run around the castle grounds. Carolyn H
Really enjoy this event. It is our second year back, camping the night before and enjoying the venue post race. Glenn W
Reviews thanks to RaceCheck
This event appreciates that the health of the planet is a huge challenge and has made commitments to tackle these challenges which they will continually measure, evolve and improve.
These environmental commitments include:
- Reducing material use - prioritising using less
- Reusing - finding better alternatives
- Recycling - wherever possible
- Being a responsible buyer - sourcing sustainably with an ethical framework in place
Take part for the charity of your own choice if you wish!
- Age 15 & over on 31 Dec 2026
- Entries open
- Enter online
Entry fees
Entry fee
£80.00
Team entry fee
£120.00
Other races at event
- Sun 21 Jun
- #1 of 25
14:15
Age 9-10
£35-£60
- 200 m lake swimming
- 4.2 km road cycling
- 1.3 km road running
- Sat 20 Jun
- #2 of 25
14:00
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£40-£60
- 300 m lake swimming
- 4.2 km road cycling
- 1.6 km road running
- Sat 20 Jun
- #3 of 25
14:00
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£45-£60
- 400 m lake swimming
- 8.4 km road cycling
- 2.2 km road running
- Sat 20 Jun
- #4 of 25
13:30
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£50-£60
- 500 m lake swimming
- 8.4 km road cycling
- 2.2 km road running
- Sat 20 Jun
- #6 of 25
09:45
Age 15 & over
£95-£145
- 400 m lake swimming
- 28 km road cycling
- 4 km road running
- Sat 20 Jun
- #7 of 25
08:30
Age 15 & over
£100-£150
- 750 m lake swimming
- 28 km road cycling
- 5 km road running + 164 ft ascent
- Sat 20 Jun
- #8 of 25
08:00
Age 17 & over
£115-£155
- 800 m lake swimming
- 42 km road cycling
- 8 km road running
- Sun 21 Jun
- #9 of 25
10:00
Age 17 & over
£125-£165
- 1.5 km lake swimming
- 42 km road cycling
- 10.5 km road running
- Sun 21 Jun
- #10 of 25
08:00
Age 18 & over
£245-£295
- 1.9 km lake swimming
- 84 km road cycling
- 21 km road running
- Sat 20 Jun
- #11 of 25
09:15
Age 15 & over
£75
- 5 km trail running
- 28 km road cycling
- 2.5 km trail running
- Sun 21 Jun
- #12 of 25
09:30
Age 17 & over
£80
- 10 km trail running
- 42 km road cycling
- 5 km trail running + 164 ft ascent
- Sun 21 Jun
- #13 of 25
09:00
Age 18 & over
£90
- 10 km trail running
- 56 km road cycling
- 10 km trail running
- Sat 20 Jun
- #14 of 25
09:30
Age 15 & over
£65
- 750 m lake swimming
- 28 km road cycling
- Sun 21 Jun
- #15 of 25
10:30
Age 17 & over
£70
- 1.5 km lake swimming
- 42 km road cycling
- Sat 20 Jun
- #16 of 25
09:30
Age 15 & over
£50
- 750 m lake swimming
- 5 km road running + 164 ft ascent
- Sun 21 Jun
- #17 of 25
10:30
Age 17 & over
£65
- 1.5 km lake swimming
- 10 km road running
- Sat 20 Jun
- #18 of 25
11:15
Age 13 & over
£45
- 1 mile lake swimming
- Sat 20 Jun
- #19 of 25
11:00
Age 16 & over
£55
- 2.5 km lake swimming
- Sat 20 Jun
- #20 of 25
10:45
Age 18 & over
£65
- 5 km lake swimming
- Sun 21 Jun
- #21 of 25
11:15
Age 15 & over
£35
- 10 km trail running
- Sun 21 Jun
- #22 of 25
11:00
Age 17 & over
£45
- 21.1 km trail running
- Sun 21 Jun
- #23 of 25
09:15
Age 18 & over
£65-£80
- 42.2 km trail running
- Sun 21 Jun
- #24 of 25
14:00
Age 11-12
£40-£60
- 300 m lake swimming
- 4.2 km road cycling
- 1.6 km road running
- Sat 20 Jun
- #25 of 25
15:00
Age 16 & over
£140
- 250 m lake swimming
- 5 km road cycling
- 1.5 km road running