2027 - Tonbridge Triathlon
Mon, May 3, 2027
Tonbridge School Centre, Tonbridge
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About
Discover Your First Triathlon at the Tonbridge Triathlon
Looking to tackle your very first multi-sport challenge? Whether you are stepping up to a Sprint distance or bringing the kids for their first Tristar event, the Tonbridge Triathlon offers the perfect, supportive environment to cross that finish line with a smile.
Set within the grounds of the prestigious Tonbridge School, our Bank Holiday event combines top-tier facilities with a warm community atmosphere—designed to make your race day smooth, safe, and stress-free.
🌟 Why This is the Ideal Race for First-Timers
No Open Water Worries: Skip the cold, murky lakes! You’ll swim in a clean, heated 25m indoor pool with dedicated lane counters to track your laps so you can focus purely on your stroke.
Pro Track Finish: Complete your run with an unforgettable sprint around a 400m athletics track while your friends and family cheer you on from the grandstand.
Friendly, Supportive Marshals: From registration to the finish line, our team of local volunteers and British Triathlon officials are on hand to answer questions, guide you through transition, and cheer you every step of the way.
Traffic-Free Run: The run route keeps you off busy roads, guiding you across grassy school grounds straight to the finish line.
Sprint, Standard, Aquathlon, and 3 more
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Mon, May 3, 2027
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Tonbridge, United Kingdom
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4.2
(Reviews)
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Where and when
Location
Tonbridge School Centre, London Road, Tonbridge TN10 3AD, UK
Start times
Sprint: 7:00 AMStandard: 7:00 AMAquathlon: 7:00 AMAquabike: 7:00 AMRelay - Sprint: 7:00 AMDuathlon: 9:00 AM
Event summary
Here are the distances available for 2027 - Tonbridge Triathlon
Sprint
0.4 km
25 km
5 km
£67.89
Standard
0.8 km
50 km
10 km
£79.02
Aquathlon
0.4 km
5 km
£52.31
Aquabike
0.4 km
25 km
£52.31
Sprint
0.4 km
25 km
5 km
£67.89
Standard
0.8 km
50 km
10 km
£79.02
Aquathlon
0.4 km
5 km
£52.31
Aquabike
0.4 km
25 km
£52.31
Route information
Swim Leg
Your swim takes place in a warm, indoor heated pool (>22°C), meaning standard swimwear is ideal—no cold open water or bulky wetsuits required! To keep things fair and comfortable for everyone, swim aids such as fins, paddles, or compression gear aren't permitted.
Getting Started:
Please arrive at the pool area at least 15 minutes before your assigned start time.
Friends and family are welcome to watch and cheer from the pool sidelines!
You'll swim 3 to a lane with fellow participants. We send swimmers off in order of race number or as lane space opens up.
If a faster swimmer catches up to you, simply pause at the end of a lane to let them pass—there’s plenty of time to catch up on the bike course!
If you feel you’re swimming faster or slower than your lane group, let our poolside marshals know; they’ll happily match you with swimmers at your pace. If you arrive early and a lane opens up, ask the Swim Coordinator if you can hop in ahead of schedule.
During & After the Swim:
You’ll receive a brightly coloured swim cap upon entry. Our friendly lap counters will use this to keep track of your distance and will raise a board in the water when you have 2 lengths remaining.
Any timing or length queries can easily be sorted out with race organizers after you finish your run.
Before heading out to transition, take off your swim cap and leave it by the pool. Because the walk to transition is outdoors, you may want to place a comfortable pair of shoes just outside the pool exit (no outdoor shoes are allowed inside the pool area).
Bike Leg
Your safety is our top priority! We’ve secured a one-way road closure on the Carter's Hill / Underriver section to keep oncoming traffic off that stretch of the course.
Important Safety Rules:
Helmets are mandatory: Your helmet must be securely fastened before you un-rack your bike and must stay buckled until your bike is safely put away after the ride.
Obey the road rules: Apart from the closed section, roads remain open to regular traffic. Please ride carefully, follow the Highway Code, keep an eye out for potholes, and stay in control at all times.
Yellow Flags: If you see a marshal waving a yellow flag on the Carter's Hill descent, simply ease off the pedals and slow down for safety.
Run Leg
The run takes place entirely within the safe, traffic-free grounds of Tonbridge School on flat, smooth grass, finishing with a thrilling lap on the running track!
Standard Distance: Head down from transition to the main playing field, complete 4 grass laps, then finish with 1 lap of the running track right in front of the sports centre.
Sprint Distance: Head down from transition to the main playing field, complete 2 grass laps, then finish with 1 lap of the running track right in front of the sports centre.
What's included
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🏅 What’s Included in Your Entry Fee?
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Everything you need for a smooth, rewarding, and memorable race day is included with your registration:
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On Race Day & Venue Perks
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Access to Premier Facilities: Swim in Tonbridge School’s 25m heated indoor pool and cross the finish line on a professional 400m athletics track.
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Full Indoor Amenities: Unlimited access to heated changing rooms, hot showers, period products, and clean indoor toilets inside the Sports Centre.
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Bag Drop Area: Secure on-site space to leave your belongings while you race.
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High-Marshal Density: Friendly, encouraging local volunteers along every stage of the swim, bike, and run legs to keep you safe and heading in the right direction.
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Race Essentials & Safety
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Chip Timing & Official Results: Professional electronic timing chip with live split tracking (swim, transition, bike, run).
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Color-Coded Swim Cap: Provided at poolside to help volunteer lap counters track your swim.
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Race Pack: Complete with your official race bib number, bike/helmet stickers, and safety pins.
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Safety & Traffic Controls: Dedicated single-lane road closures on key bike segments (Carter’s Hill) and fully certified British Triathlon safety cover.
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On-Site Medical Team: First-aid stations and trained emergency crews supporting you before, during, and after the event.
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Rewards & Standings
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Finisher’s Medal: A custom Tonbridge Triathlon medal awarded to you as you cross the line.
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Category Trophies: Trophies for top finishers across age groups, relays, and multi-sport disciplines.
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My Tri Ranking Inclusion: Automatic submission of your times to My Tri Rankings to track your progress over time.
How to get there
Tonbridge School Centre, London Road, Tonbridge TN10 3AD, UK
Get full directionsBy Car
Tonbridge School is a 21-minute drive from Tunbridge Wells via the A21, and a 34-minute drive from Maidstone via the A26.
Parking
Since there is no on-site competitor parking at Tonbridge School Sports Centre on race day, participants and spectators should use the designated town center car parks or local drop-off zones.
Athlete Drop-Off Zones (2-Minute Limit)
If you are being dropped off with your bike and kit close to Registration:
Hilden Grange School: Located on Dry Hill Park Road (Northbound).
Cowdray House: Located on Dry Hill Park Road (Southbound).
Official Race Day Parking (8–10 Minute Walk)
All primary town center car parks are free or low-cost on Bank Holidays:
The Castle Car Park (TN9 1BG)
Location: Off Castle Street / Avenue Du Puy.
Walk to Venue: ~8 minutes. Walk north up Tonbridge High Street straight toward Tonbridge School.
Town Swimming Pool Car Park (TN9 1HR)
Location: Lower Castle Fields / River Lawn Road.
Walk to Venue: ~10 minutes. Head past Tonbridge Castle and up the High Street.
The Ivy House / Upper High Street Area
Location: Near the top end of Tonbridge High Street / London Road.
Walk to Venue: ~5–7 minutes. The closest public parking area south of the school grounds.
Angel Centre / Sainsbury’s Multi-Storey (TN9 1SF)
Location: Off Vale Road.
Walk to Venue: ~12–15 minutes. Good alternative if Castle car parks fill up early.
Key Logistics Tip for Competitors
Drop your bike and transition bags at the Dry Hill Park Road drop-off point first, then have your driver head to one of the town center car parks to park stress-free.
By Public Transport
The nearest station is Tonbridge Station, which is a 20-minute walk from the race start and has regular services to Hastings, Redhill and London Charing Cross.
Hotels and Accommodation
Find some of the best hotel rates close to the startline with Hotel Planner.
Find your roomEvent day logistics
06:00 Registration and transition open
06:45 First competitors arrive at poolside
07:00 First Swimmers Start
07:30 (approx) First swimmers out
10:40 (approx) Last group of competitors start the swim leg
12:15 (approx) Last competitors complete the whole course
FAQs
Will there be car parking at the Tonbridge Triathlon?
Due to the popularity of the event, there is no on-site parking. Marshals will direct you to designated town centre car parks.
What time does registration open for the Tonbridge Triathlon?
Registration opens at 06:00. You don't necessarily have to register at this time, if you start later on in the day.
What do I need to bring for the Tonbridge Triathlon?
Packing for your first multi-sport event is easier when you break it down by phase! Here is your essential packing list: Pre-Race & Registration: Photo ID and British Triathlon membership card (or proof of your Race Pass). A bike pump to top up tyre pressures before racking. Safety pins or a race number belt to attach your bib. Swim Leg: Standard swimsuit or trisuit (wetsuits are not permitted as the swim is in a heated indoor pool). Swim goggles. Slide-on shoes or flip-flops to wear outside the pool exit as you walk to transition. (A swim cap will be provided for you at poolside). Bike Leg: Roadworthy bike with bar-end plugs fitted. Bike helmet (mandatory—fastened securely before un-racking your bike). Cycling shoes or running trainers. Pre-filled water bottle for your bike cage. Run Leg & Transition: Running trainers. Small flannel/hand towel (max 12"x12") to dry feet—under BTF rules, standard large towels cannot be used to reserve transition space. Any personal nutrition (energy gels/chews) or required medical items (e.g., asthma inhaler).
Can I wear a wetsuit in the swim?
No. Because the swim leg takes place in Tonbridge School’s heated indoor pool (>22°C), British Triathlon rules prohibit wetsuits. Standard swimsuits or trisuits are recommended.
Do I need a fancy triathlon bike to enter?
Not at all! You can use a standard road bike, hybrid, or mountain bike as long as it is roadworthy, the brakes work, and the handlebar ends have bar-end plugs fitted.
Reviews
4.2
4 reviews
33 Broadwick St, London W1F 0DQ
Reg number 10083277
