Shiplake Prepares to Host Fifth Triathlon

On Sunday 10 August, athletes from across the Home Counties and further afield will descend on Shiplake for the fifth annual Shiplake College triathlon.

With 45 acres of Oxfordshire countryside, directly overlooking the River Thames, the College site provides an ideal location for a triathlon, and the event has proved popular with competitors and spectators alike since its introduction in 2010.

Entrants can choose between the standard (1.5km Swim; 27.5km Bike; 7km Run) and sprint (750m Swim; 14km Bike; 5km Run) distances, with both races following the same course with varying numbers of laps.

The challenge begins with a swim in the River Thames. Having swum upstream to the Lynch island, Sprint triathletes turn around to complete their half-lap while those completing the Standard distance travel a further 375m towards Sonning before embarking on the downstream return. 

The flat and fast bike course takes cyclists out onto the A4155, down to the roundabout at Playhatch before travelling up to Harpsden and back to the College.

The run takes in the picturesque views along the Thames tow path and through the College grounds before finishing in front of the cricket pavilion.

There will be prizes for the top three male and female finishers, as well as juniors and veterans. For many, however, the triathlon is more about participation and all runners will receive bespoke medals.

Feeling inspired? There is still time to enter online. Please click here for further information or jump straight to the entry form.

Spectators are of course more than welcome. For those that can brave an early start, the race begins at 7.00am. It will last throughout the morning, however, and any support will be greatly appreciated.