Training for events.
You don’t have to take part in events and races, there is no pressure. However, being part of a club is the best way to learn how to train for events, share training plans, find training partners and get advice and coaching.
Check out our Club Instagram to see latest photos and brief reports of members out training or taking part in events
Race types and distances
Triathlon events and races take place over a variety of distances.
- Sprint Distance is usually 400m swim/20k bike/5k run
- Standard or Olympic Distance is 1.5k swim/40k bike/10k run
- Half Ironman is 1.9k swim/90k bike/21.1k run. These races are called Ironman 70.3 because it is a total distance of 70.3 miles. Middle distance is similar but exact distances can vary slightly.
- Ironman is 3.8k swim/180k bike/42.2k run
Sprint distance races may have a pool or open water swim but for races longer than this the swim will be in open water.
Besides triathlons there are sprint and standard distance duathlons (run/bike/run), aquathlons (swim/run), aquabikes (swim/bike) and quadrathlons (kayak/swim/bike/run) that you can take part in.
Bolton Tri Club Grand Prix and Club Championship Races.
Each year we have a club grand prix consisting of events of different types and distances. Go to 2024 Grand Prix to see this year’s events. Members score points for their finishing position compared to other club members taking part in an event and for their age group position in the event. Their best 5 results count. The scoring system deliberately favours participation because it is good to go to events where other members are taking part and there is some camaraderie. There are awards at the end of the season for the male and female grand prix winners and runners up
A sprint distance race, a standard distance race and a duathlon are selected as club championship races for which there are male and female awards. We also have an award for the first BTC finisher in the Deva Divas Triathlon which is a famous female only triathlon run every year by Chester Tri Club.
Ironman
Bolton is home to Ironman UK every year. There is a great atmosphere at this event. Every year we have club members taking part. We organise an Ironman information day where our experienced Ironmen can share their knowledge, advice and training plans with those doing it for the first time. Club members doing Ironman also meet up for long training rides and runs.
Junior Events
Many of our juniors take part in events which are part of the Triathlon England NW Junior Series or other events which are just about having fun and participating. We also organise an aquathlon and a duathlon once a year just for our own members so children can get used to events and know what to expect
Triathlon England membership
Most events are licenced by Triathlon England. Members who race regularly are encouraged to join Triathlon England. It isn’t mandatory for entering events but it gives you a reduction on entry fees, accident insurance and other benefits. use the link below for information about joining.
Our GB age group team members
Latest news. On 29th April in Ibiza longstanding BTC member Mark Russell won bronze medal in the World Duathlon Sprint Distance Championship representing GB in the 55 to 59 age group. He was only 13 seconds behind the winner!
Every year British Triathlon select certain events as qualification events for European and World Championship races the following year. Nearly every year we have club members who qualify to represent Great Britain in their age group. In fact, we even have a European champion in the club. In 2022 Mary White became European Sprint Triathlon champion in the 70 – 74 age group and also silver medalist in the Sprint Distance Duathlon World Championships.
This year Matthew Garside competed in the World Aquathlon Championships on 1st May in the 30 to 34 age group and Ella Carter will be competing in the World Aquabike Standard Distance Championships in September in Spain
British Triathlon Site
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