Every late June / early July since 1991 we've run the Shoreline Triathlon from Summerleaze Beach in Bude. The event has always been a huge success with a complete cross-section of competitors from absolute beginners and first-time triathletes right through to national team athletes.
When designing this race we just looked at what Bude had to offer. The high tide bay at Summerleaze with the breakwater sheltering it from the Atlantic swell was always going to be perfect for the open water swim. The coast road out of Bude towards Widemouth Bay is both fast and hilly and with a return to Bude via the A39 it's a natural loop. The run through town and then along the canal towpath returning via Lynstone Road produces a grand finish along the Strand and then up the length of Summerleaze Car Park. Add to this a friendly atmosphere, great event T-shirts, medals for all finishers, plenty of categories and our own unique commentator and you have an event you'll want to come back to year after year.
The fastest athletes will take around an hour to complete the course with everyone finished within 2 hours.
To view the route, you can watch this on YouTube.
The Race starts and finishes at Summerleaze Beach car Park. To get to us drive down into Bude from the A39. At the mini-roundabout next to the river turn towards the town centre and then just keep following the river as it leads you into Summerleaze Car Park. Park at the top - ticket required. Check-in at the Green Tent. Toilets close by.
500m swim in Summerleaze Bay. 11 mile cycle around Bude and then via the coast road to Widemouth Bay, returning to Bude along the A39 (there are foot down stops at the roundabout as you leave and return to Bude). 3 mile run through Bude then along the canal towpath to Rodds Bridge, returning via Lynstone Road and the Strand.
This is an ideal event for both regular triathletes as well as first timers and beginners. The open water swim is protected from the worst of any swell by the Bude breakwater and the start time of the event is always set for high tide. The event can be completed by individuals or as a relay team where each team member completes a single discipline.
Swimmers can wear wetsuits and should be able to swim 500 metres using any stroke (bring a bowl to fill with water so you can wash the sand off your feet before the cycle). Cyclists must wear approved helmets and abide by the rules of the road, there is one steep hill just the other side of widemouth bay. The run route follows the canal towpath to Rodds Bridge which crosses over the canal, there is a drinks station at this point. The route will be marked and marshalled, however route finding is always the competitors responsibility so familiarise yourself with the route and the area.
