Triathlon: Sprint and Mixed Relay Championships 2025

Registration opens          - Saturday 3 May 4-6pm  
                                        - Sunday 4 May 6:30am 

Transition Closes            - Sunday 4 May 7:50am 

First Race Briefing          - Sunday 4 May 7:50am (poolside) 

Race Starts                     - Sunday 4 May 8am 

Athletes start from 8am in waves of 70 swimmers. We are starting the fastest swimmers first. Waves are virtual & designed to minimise queuing time in the pool. In practice it’s a continuous start as people step off the timing mat. Race briefings will be repeated outside the pool, next to transition, for each subsequent wave.  

Mixed Relay Starts          - Sunday 4 May 12pm 

Please note: The timetable is subject to change depending on entry numbers. Final wave times will be released in the Event Guide once entries close.  

The transition area is arranged by wave. Please rack your bike in the designated area

Your timing chip must be attached to your left ankle with the Velcro strap supplied

Here’s a link to maps of the course - https://ridewithgps.com/events/340256-bucs-sprint-triathlon-championships-mixe

We are starting all swimmers two to a lane. Please stay on your designated side of the lane so no overtaking is required. It’s down to you to count your eight laps. Once you finish your swim, you MUST walk to the pool exit before you can start running to transition.
Once in transition you must put your helmet on & do the strap up before you touch your bike. You can then run to transition exit & mount your bike. The bike is on open roads to you must obey the highway code. Also look out for potholes. There are cattle grids. Ensure you do not brake as you cross them. Also watch out for sheep. This is a non-drafting event. You should ride no closer than 10m to other riders. If you need to pass, you have 20 seconds to do so.
Once back in transition rack your bike before you remove your helmet. You can then start your final 5K run.

The BUCS Sprint Triathlon will comprise of:

400m Swim

18km Open Road Bike

5km – Open Road Run

The BUCS Mixed Relay will comprise of:

150m Swim – 6 lengths of 25m swimming pool

7.5km Open Road Bike

1.7km Closed Road Run

Sprint Triathlon course description: 

Swim
The swim is 8 lengths of the 50m pool with two swimmers to a lane. Your time starts in the corner of the pool so which ever lane you’re allocated, everyone will walk the width of the pool either at the start or end of their swim. At the exit of the pool there’s a run on grass of approximately 150m to transition.

Cycle
The bike leg turns left out of the venue & then climbs up, gently at first to Brentor at approx. 10k. The second half of the route is very fast & mainly downhill. Unfortunately there are a few potholes to watch out for. 28mm or 30mm tyres are recommended.

Run
The run climbs steeply out of the back of the school. After a section on the old railway line it follows a quiet lane slightly downhill to the turn back at approximately 3km

Finish
A loop of the main playing field leads through to the finish line.

Mixed Relay course description: 

Swim 
Six lengths of the 25m pool where Flora Duffy, Olympic triathlon gold medallist in Tokyo used to train during her time at Mount Kelly School.

Cycle 

Turn left out of the school & then climb, gently at first, up towards the turn in a layby at 3.5km. The ride back is fast & mainly downhill

Run 
Climb up through the back entrance of the school & return around the other side of the school finishing with half a lap of the playing fields.

There are three areas to park.

The first is close to the main school building. What3words is https://what3words.com/item.rabble.hoot
However it’s only available for people arriving before 7.00am and you will not be able to leave until the event finishes.

The second is just past the school (approaching from Tavistock) on the right. We recommend you download the free what3words app & use this link to take you there - https://w3w.co/sudden.fills.lend 

The final area is the prep school car park. It’s just a few minutes walk from transition. However it is also a few minutes drive as you have to go the long way round to get there by car. The prep school operates a one way system there so make sure you enter by the rear entrance at what3words location - https://w3w.co/stones.above.hears 

Please do not park in the small swimming pool car park as it’s reserved for marshals who will be out on the bike & run courses.

Spectators are welcome and should park at the prep school. See parking instructions above.

For the Sprint there is a water station on the run as you exit the back of the school. You pass it at 1.7K & approx. 4K on the 5K run. There is also water & snacks at the finish line.

There will be one or two official photographers on the course. All photos can be searched by bib number & selfie after the event.

We have South West Catering providing hot & cold drinks, burgers, bacon butties etc.
Coffee Hub will also be there providing more gourmet coffee + some cakes.

There are toilets in the main swimming pool building.

We’re always on the look out for marshals. Anyone who can help will receive expenses or an event voucher + food & drink on the day. Please email [email protected] if you’d like to volunteer. If you’re competing on Sunday & making a weekend of it, we also have a triathlon for the general public on Monday 5^th May & we’re looking for volunteers to help with that.

The Rules and Regulations can be found here.

To withdraw, please contact your institution administrator who should contact the event lead.

The entry fee will not be charged for entries withdrawn prior to the entry deadline, Once the closing date has passed, entry fees will be charged for any withdrawals.  

Please see Appendix 1 for the BUCS Points available at this event. 

BUCS’ mission is to provide exceptional student sporting experiences that inspire, develop and unite. 

Critical to our success is our commitment to always providing safe, friendly and enjoyable environments for all participants. Whether competing, coaching, officiating, volunteering, working or spectating at these events, the welfare of all is critical to our mission. 

To find out more or report a concern, please click here.

The sustainability of our event matters to us and these are the positive steps we are taking to manage our environmental impact: 

• All attendees are encouraged to share transport to the event; 

• We have used local suppliers where possible; 

• Event programmes are all online, minimising paper use; 
• All zip ties & signage is reusable. Drinks are supplied in uncoated paper cups.

How can you help at this event? Here’s some ideas:  

• Be self-sufficient by using refillable bottles and coffee cups to reduce waste 

• Travel smarter – as a team on a minibus, cycle or use public transport 

• Go paperless - use your phone for all event information