Helvellyn Triathlon

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.

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.

Route overview

• Swim 1.5K in the beautiful clear waters of Ullswater
• Ride 59km through beautiful Lake District scenery, including “The Struggle,” to the top of Kirkstone Pass, one of Britain's most infamous climbs
• 9-mile fell run up the iconic Helvellyn to its peak at 3118ft

Ullswater Lake Swim

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

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.

Map

The bike

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

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.

Map

The run

It’s quite simple, the course takes you to the top of Helvellyn and back down.

It’s mostly off-road on a variety of surfaces. The first part of the climb is a long section of lung bursting rocky steps. The course then takes you past Red Tarn and up Swirral Edge to get to the summit. Fell running shoes are recommended. The final 200m to the top are a hands-on scramble. After a short section along the summit ridge the way back down is all on well made tracks. Because of the unique and dangerous nature of this run it is a requirement that you take a bag with specified kit, food and drink.

Map

Medal

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.

Relay teams

Teams of 2 or 3.

Entry fees

Having done triathlons of all distances, in many places with many organisers this was undoubtedly the best event I have done for so many reasons. The challenge the course represents is real, the marshals are the best in the business, the beauty of the event is unrivalled and the organisers have nailed the small scale community feel. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone in search of a challenge they will remember forever. Stuart N

The routes and the challenge. I also found it to be an exceptionally friendly event. Walking up the hill is very different from the normal half marathon slog. We all talked much more. I also found that I was less time pressured. I didnt have a target time and that meant I just enjoyed myself much more. The photos were exceptionally good.

The course. Such an iconic event and route is the perfect balance of challenging and manageable.

The location is stunning and as a result the triathlon is unique. Well organised and a true physical challenge.

What a race - it's not standard in any kind of way. Richard R

This is a truly unique event, I've raced the very first event and come back most years to race it again, a complete favourite. Christine H

If you are looking for a real challenge for a triathlon, then look no further. Short of doing an Iron Man, this has to be the toughest triathlon out there, and also the most rewarding and exhilarating. Scott P

Awesome scenery, as my first time really enjoyed it felt safe and I'd say I underestimated how hard it really was. Great event being a bit different from the norm. David R

This race was awesome from start to finish. The swim in Ullswater was beautiful, the cycle was fast and challenging and the run was a killer. The views the whole way round are amongst the best in Britain. That coupled with friendly Marshall’s and great support the whole way around the run made this event special. Paul B

This is a must do race. Awesome. Jim P

I'm British but I traveled from Taiwan where I live to participate in this race. In short, the race was well worth traveling for. The atmosphere, organisation, views, weather and course were all excellent. The climbs were definitely challenging, but provided you cycle up some hills and do some trail running/hiking in your training, you should be good-to-go. George B

Reviews thanks to RaceCheck