Returning for its seventh year, the Dartmouth Triathlon brings triathletes from across the country to the beautiful Blackpool Sands beach near Dartmouth for a sea swim, cycle, and run. This fine gravel beach makes for a perfect triathlon location.
The sprint triathlon (full distance) begins at 7am, with a 750m sea swim in the clear Blackpool sea waters, before the athletes are out of the water and onto their bikes for the 20k cycle leg. The cycle is a stunning out and back via Slapton sands, which also features Devon’s flattest road (a bit of relief for your legs). The final leg is two laps around Blackpool Sands grounds for the 5k run leg. Entries to the triathlon start at £42.
For those who are less confident (especially in the sea swim leg) there is a ‘supersprint’ triathlon option starting at 8am. This consists of a much shorter swim (only 400m) as well as a 2.5k run instead of the usual 5k.
For those who can’t or won’t run, new for 2022 is the ‘aquabike’ event option which consists of just the swim and cycle legs. Don’t mistake this for an ‘easier option’ though, the distances for the swim and bike are still the same. These races will start at the same time as the full triathlon: 7am.
As part of the Dartmouth Triathlon weekend, there will also be a Dartmouth Sea Swim event the day before the triathlon (Sat 11th June). As the name suggests, it consists of only a sea swim with a choice of 750m or 1500m options. Teignmouth Surf Life Saving Club’s expert water safety team will be present on both days to ensure all participants are safe when in the water, and all participants will receive a FREE silicone swim hat as well as professional chip timing and finishers medals for all. Food and drink will also be available at the finish line. Entries to the sea swim start at £27.
A wetsuit is usually required for the swim, as the water temperature is expected to be below 14C. Experienced sea-swimmers for the swims only can swim ‘skins’ (ie without a wetsuit), as long as this is arranged beforehand with the organisers.
For those entering both the triathlon AND sea swim events (Triathlon 12th June and Swim 11th June), or for those who just don’t feel like getting up early for a 7am start on a Sunday, we are offering the chance to camp (tent or small camper vans) on Blackpool Sands beach for the Saturday night! The fine gravel sand of Blackpool Sands is surprisingly comfortable to sleep on, so you will be plenty rested for the triathlon ahead. Camping is not usually permitted at this picturesque location, so this rare opportunity comes with a small charge of £7.50 per person.
You can sign-up for the Dartmouth Triathlon and find out more information here: https://sportivaevents.co.uk/events/dartmouth-triathlon/
If this event sounds good to you, but you can’t make it to Blackpool sands on the date to compete, don’t worry! We have another triathlon featuring an open water sea swim at Goodrington Sands on July 3rd, The English Riviera Triathlon.
Sportiva Events is an organiser of triathlons, running events, and cycling sportives across the South West of England. Find us at: sportivaevents.co.uk
