Junior Triathlon - Age Category Explanation
To ensure parents of children are clear on how the age categorisation works for the juniors, I've given some detail below on how it's worked-out. The principles of categorising ages in this way are set by British Triathlon.
Age Categories and How Aging Works
Your child’s age for the event is determined by how old they are on the 31st December of the year the race takes place. This means, for example, if your child turns 9 on or before the 31st December 2026, they will automatically be placed in the 9-12 age category, regardless of the fact they maybe 8 on race day. Similarly, if your child turns 13 on or before the 31st December 2026, they will automatically be placed in the 13-15 age category, regardless of their age on the race day.
Why We’re Using EntryCentral for Entries This Year
We’re excited to announce that entries for this year’s Harwich Triathlon will be managed through EntryCentral — a trusted and British Triathlon–approved entry platform.
Why the change?
From 2025, British Triathlon (BTF) requires that all competitors — in both adult and junior races — have a valid Race Pass (previously known as a Day Licence). This is a form of short-term membership that provides essential public liability insurance and ensures every participant is covered under BTF’s national event insurance.
To meet this new requirement, we had two options:
Ask everyone to enter through our own system and then make a second, separate purchase on the BTF website for their Race Pass, or
Use an approved entry platform that’s fully integrated with British Triathlon.
We’ve chosen EntryCentral because it’s one of the official BTF-approved systems — meaning your Race Pass (if needed) can be automatically added to your entry. It’s simpler, quicker, and ensures that all the necessary insurance and affiliation details are handled correctly at the point of entry.
Volunteering
When you toe the start line of a race - whether it’s a local Parkrun, a marathon, or a grueling Ironman — you’re likely focused on your own goals: setting a personal best, conquering the distance, or simply crossing the finish line. But have you ever stopped to consider the incredible effort that goes on behind the scenes to make these events possible? At the heart of every successful race, triathlon, or endurance event lies a dedicated army of volunteers.
Get involved
Organising an event like a triathlon requires a lot of help from a lot of people (often times, in the background). Some of that help is required weeks before and a substantial amount of helps is required on the day of the races. As the popular moniker goes, volunteer marshals are “race makers” - they make the race happen. Without them, these events cannot take place. It’s as simple as that.
So, it’s in that spirit we kindly request anyone who can help out in anyway they can, in the build-up and particularly on the race days of Saturday 7th June and Sunday 8th June, to make themselves known to us.
Thank you!
Olympic Tri Gear
Triathlons can be daunting. Not just because you need to be relatively fit but because there are a few elements to learn and some equipment you will need.
We’ve compiled this post for beginners and as a reminder of what you will need on race day.
Sprint Tri Gear
Triathlons can be daunting. Not just because you need to be relatively fit but because there are a few elements to learn and some equipment you will need.
We’ve compiled this post for beginners and as a reminder of what you will need on race day.
Safety Tips for Open Water Swimming
Swimming in open water as part of a triathlon can be exhilarating, but it also presents unique challenges compared to swimming in a pool. Understanding sea safety and preparing adequately can make a significant difference to both your performance and your safety. Here are some essential tips and guidance to ensure a safe and successful open-water swim.
Thank You!
A Huge Thank You from the Harwich Triathlon Team!
What a weekend! The Harwich Triathlon 2025 was a roaring success – and that’s down to the incredible people who gave their time, energy, expertise (and sometimes their sanity!) to make it happen.
To everyone who played a part – whether you were marking out the course at 5am, cheering on athletes, baking goodies, or firing up the timing systems – thank you. This event simply wouldn't happen without the dedication of a small army of generous and passionate individuals.
Lost Property
Lost Property at Harwich Triathlon – Check the Box!
After a fantastic weekend of racing at the Harwich Triathlon, we’ve ended up with a box of items that didn’t make it home with their owners. Whether it was the post-race buzz, the adrenaline of transition, or just the general chaos of a busy weekend, a few shoes, bags, and other bits and bobs have been left behind.
Olympic Race - Weather Update 2
Just a quick update on the weather situation relating to tomorrow's race (Olympic).
If you've been monitoring the weather forecast like we have (religiously), you'll know the weather hasn't been looking wonderful for Saturday with potential for some high winds and rain.
From our perspective, we will our very best to lay on the planned triathlon, BUT if there is a significant enough risk to safety to anyone involved in the event, some elements of the race will have to adjusted to cater for that risk. The key factors that will guide our decision making will be:
Can swimmers reasonably complete the planned swim course in the conditions as they are on race morning?
Can the sea marshals reasonably hold their position safely in the water for the period of the swim element of the race and provide safe passage for said swimmers?
Is the area clear of lightning strikes close to the location of the sea swim during the period of the swim?
If any of those ceases to be true, we will have to look at cancelling the sea swim. There is the option to shorten the swim route if the first two points are borderline. However, if we do choose to cancel the sea swim, we will revert to a duathlon.
Visit The Cricket Club For a Drink
Harwich & Dovercourt Cricket Club, located on Low Road field (Google Maps), what3words ///sprouted.proposes.tentacles, is open from 12:30pm on both days and anyone who comes to the bar with their finishers medal can receive 25% off all drinks, and they can have as many as they want!
If you fancy a celebratory drink and want a very short walk to get it, this is the perfect place to head.
Weather Update
A quick update on the weather situation.
Thank you for your flexibility and readiness — our priority is to deliver a safe, fair, and enjoyable race for everyone. We’ll keep you informed every step (and gust) of the way.
Spectator Guide
Race day is about more than split-times — spectators deserve great coffee, a clear view, and somewhere to warm chilly fingers. Here’s everything you need to know about watching your favourite athletes.