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.

Options To Race “Down”

However, if your child is younger on race day (for example, 8 or 12), but will be 9 or 13 on or before the 31st December, we understand that the longer distances may feel intimidating. In these cases, we want to ensure all children have the option to race in a category they feel comfortable with. Therefore, those children will have the choice to compete in the lower age category distance. If you choose this option however, please note that your child will not be eligible for winning, prizes, or podium placement.

If this option applies to your child, we kindly ask you to consider it and let us know if you'd like to go down this route by emailing us at triathlon@harwichrunners.co.uk, no later than the 1st May 2026.

Swim Times

When you entered your child via the EntryCentral website, you will have included a swim prediction time which will shown in your email 'receipt'.  Can you double-check this time is correct for your child based on the following:

• Under 9 Age Category: Will swim 50m, so please ensure the swim time reflects 2 lengths.

• 9 Years and Older: Will swim 150m, so please ensure the swim time reflects 6 lengths.

If any updates or changes are needed to your child's swim time, you can do this via the EntryCentral website. Login to your account and make the change. If you have any issues doing this, email the address above.