Aquabike
Sun 1 Sep 2024 Penrith, Cumbria, UK

Helvellyn Triathlon | Aquabike

A renowned, challenging and unique event where the toughness of the course is only matched by the stunning scenery of the Lake District National Park. Not just another race but highly demanding.

Enter now
  • Sun 1 Sep 2024
Glenridding, Penrith

Aquabike

08:30

£75

Age 17 & over on 31 Dec 2024

  • 1.5 km lake swimming
  • 59 km road cycling

Overview

One of the world’s toughest Triathlons? Certainly one of the most iconic.

Swim in the beautiful clear waters of Ullswater, ride though beautiful Lake District scenery, including “The Struggle,” to the top of Kirkstone Pass, one of Britains most infamous climbs and run up the iconic Helvellyn to its peak at 3118ft.

It is truly a classic of a race; a mix of triathlon and fell race that promises to be an invigorating and challenging day out for all of the competitors.

The swim and bike should not be underestimated and the run summits one of England's most iconic mountains!

This is not just another race; it's an experience that demands a significant level of fitness and determination - brought to you in association with The Brownlee Foundation.

Highlights

  • Experience Ullswater

    Swim in the beautiful clear water’s of Ullswater.

  • Slay the Struggle

    Ride though beautiful Lake District scenery, including “The Struggle,” to the top of Kirkstone Pass, one of Britains most infamous climbs.

  • Summit Helvellyn

    Run up the iconic Helvellyn to its peak at 3118ft.

This event is part of Helvellyn Triathlon.

  • Average fitness
  • Newcomers
  • Teams
  • Wetsuit advised
  • Wetsuit not allowed if too hot
  • Wetsuit required if too cold

Challenging terrain

The race is known for  being extreme and challenging. This is not a normal Triathlon! The bike section includes the steep ascent of "The Struggle" to the top of the Kirkstone Pass. The run involves ascending and descending Helvellyn, England's third highest mountain, on rugged, off-road terrain.

Test of endurance

Helvellyn Triathlon stands as a test of endurance, challenging athletes with its chilly swim, challenging cycle, and rugged run, all set in the demanding terrain of the Lake District.

Reputation and recognition

It's considered one of the toughest triathlons in the world. This reputation adds to its allure for many athletes who are eager to test their limits against such a demanding course. It provides an inspiring and challenging day out for any competitor. 

  • Bag storage
  • Mountains
  • Rural

Event HQ

Glenridding
Glenridding
Penrith
Cumbria
CA11
UK

Transition

The start and finish, and transition are all on Jenkins Field, on the edge of Lake Ullswater. It is a stunning location for participants and supporters.

  • First aid
  • Food stations
  • Hilly
  • Marshals
  • Mass start
  • Out and back
  • Water stations
  • Way markers

Route overview

  • Swim 1.5K in the beautiful clear water’s of Ullswater
  • Ride 59km though beautiful Lake District scenery, including “The Struggle,” to the top of Kirkstone Pass, one of Britains most infamous climbs

It is truly a classic of a race and promises to be an invigorating and challenging day out for all of the competitors.

Ullswater Lake Swim

The swim course consists of 2 non-exiting laps with an exit route at the end of the second lap.

map

Be prepared for the water to be cold but beautifully clear. Two waves are scheduled: faster swimmers in wave 1, followed by slower swimmers in wave 2, which starts after most of wave 1 completes the first lap. Be ready by 8.30am, acclimatising near the boat landings. Full water safety is provided; in trouble, signal a kayak. Wetsuits are mandatory below 14C and optional up to 21C.

The bike

The bike is 1 lap of 59K starting along the shores of Ullswater before heading north and starting to climb.

map

The section from Troutbeck to Ambleside is rolling and quick. Then it hits “The Struggle,” a brutal 4.5 km stretch of road that climbs 385m at gradients of up to 20%. All the roads are open to other traffic. The Struggle climb is notionally closed, but residents and others have access so assume there will be traffic. It is your responsibility to negotiate the course safely within all the usual rules of the road. Marshals are there to indicate the route only, they cannot stop traffic.

  • Training plan

Training plan

Want a training plan?

In partnership with Brownlee Fitness, you can subscribe to Plans+ and have a training plan built just for you and the Helvellyn course.

  • Age 17 & over on 31 Dec 2024
  • Entries open
  • Enter online
Enter now

Entry fees

Entry fee

£75.00

Other races at event

  • Sun 1 Sep
  • #1 of 2
Glenridding, Penrith

Triathlon

08:30

£95-£111

Age 17 & over

  • 1.5 km lake swimming
  • 59 km road cycling
  • 15 km trail running