Woodhorn Museum 1.5km Open Water Swim Challenge
Dive into an unforgettable open water swim at the iconic Woodhorn Museum and QE2 Country Park. Whether you're taking your first strokes in the open water or chasing a new challenge.
Sign up for £30
Enter now- Sat 4 Jul 2026
14:00
Age 12 & over
£30
- 1.5 km lake swimming
Event overview
Set within the striking surroundings of Woodhorn Museum and QE2 Country Park, this triathlon delivers a memorable race experience in a truly unique historic setting.
With a track record of hosting national and international qualifiers, it’s a course built for performance, whether you’re chasing qualification, a PB, or your next big challenge.
Highlights
- Race on a course used for World and European qualifiers
- Unique venue combining historic landmarks and scenic parkland
- Ideal for first-timers and experienced triathletes alike
- Opportunity to test yourself on a fast, competitive course
- Stunning surroundings with engaging and memorable legs
- Perfect for those targeting age group qualification or PBs
This event is part of Woodhorn Museum Triathlon.
Event photos
- All fitness levels
- Average fitness
- Beginner-friendly
- Event village
- Families
- Spectators
- Swim hat provided
- Teams
- Wetsuit advised
- Wetsuit not allowed if too hot
- Wetsuit required if too cold
Ability level
The Woodhorn Museum swim, aquabike, aquathlon and triathlon events welcome all abilities, from first-timers to experienced athletes, with options for individuals and relay teams.
You’ll be supported every step of the way, alongside plenty of participants at a similar level. If you’re new to open water swimming, build confidence with weekly sessions at QE2 Lake (May–July).
- 2 laps
- First aid
- No cut off time
- Toilets
- Traffic free
- Wave start
Overview
Set within the historic grounds of Woodhorn Museum and QE2 Country Park, this beginner-friendly yet rewarding course offers something for every level of swimmer.
The open water swim takes place in the calm, shallow QE2 lake, creating a reassuring environment for first-timers while still appealing to experienced swimmers. With distances from 750m to 3km, it’s easy to find your challenge.
Route highlights
- Calm, shallow open water swim in QE2 lake
- Lively atmosphere with excellent spectator access
- Cafe
- Camping
- Changing facilities
- Coast
- Free parking
- Paid parking
- Park
- Restaurant
- Rural
- Secure bag storage
- Showers
- Toilets
Event HQ
Woodhorn Museum
Ashington
Northumberland
NE63 9YF
UK
Woodhorn Museum is approximately 14 miles North East of Newcastle situated on the beautiful Northumbria coast.
- Camping
- Chip timing
- Massage
- Physio
- Technical t-shirt
Included
- Chip timing
- Numbered bike racking
- Aid stations on course
- Prizes
- Results published online
- Event T-shirt
- Showers and (limited) changing facilities
- Toilets (including accessible)
- Parking (including accessible)
- Catering and on-site refreshments
A big shout out to the VO2Max Racing Events team for putting on the Woodhorn Museum Triathlon. It was well organised and a great experience overall.
An ever‑excellent VO2Max Racing Events team delivered a superbly run event.
Straightforward, well‑run and very professionally organised.
Ideal for beginners – the event felt welcoming and supportive throughout.
If you’re new to the sport, there’s no need to be concerned – you are looked after all the way to the finish.
A friendly event with a great atmosphere and plenty of encouragement.
Great coastal views on the bike and a scenic course.
A remote, nature‑based location with a picturesque lake swim.
The run laps passing the finish made it brilliant for crowd support and atmosphere.
Excellent course navigation and event safety throughout.
Clear organisation and well‑marked courses.
If you’re in the North East area next year, I’d absolutely recommend it.
A great event to add to your multisport calendar.
Well organised, friendly and scenic.
A great first triathlon experience.
Fantastic location and atmosphere.
Sustainability
- Bring your own cup
- Optional t-shirt
- Public transport links
Other races at event
- Sun 5 Jul
- #4 of 13
07:30
Age 15 & over
£55-£110
- 750 m lake swimming
- 24 km road cycling
- 6.4 km trail running
- Sun 5 Jul
- #5 of 13
07:30
Age 17 & over
£65-£130
- 1.5 km lake swimming
- 46 km road cycling
- 9.6 km trail running
- Sun 5 Jul
- #6 of 13
07:30
Age 15 & over
£45
- 750 m lake swimming
- 24 km road cycling
- Sun 5 Jul
- #7 of 13
07:30
Age 17 & over
£55
- 1.5 km lake swimming
- 46 km road cycling
- Sun 5 Jul
- #8 of 13
07:30
Age 15 & over
£45
- 750 m lake swimming
- 6.4 km trail running
- Sun 5 Jul
- #9 of 13
07:30
Age 17 & over
£55
- 1.5 km lake swimming
- 9.6 km trail running
- Sat 4 Jul
- #10 of 13
13:30
Age 8-8
£28
- 100 m lake swimming
- 600 m trail running
- Sat 4 Jul
- #11 of 13
13:30
Age 9-10
£28
- 200 m lake swimming
- 1.2 km trail running
- Sat 4 Jul
- #12 of 13
13:30
Age 11-12
£28
- 300 m lake swimming
- 1.8 km trail running
- Sat 4 Jul
- #13 of 13
13:30
Age 13-14
£28
- 400 m lake swimming
- 2.4 km trail running