North Berwick Novice Triathlon & Aquathlon 2026

The 2026 North Berwick Novice Triathlon/Aquathlon  will be held on Sunday 24th May at 9am.

The North Berwick Novice Triathlon remains a popular event for individuals, families and friends who are new to triathlon or looking for a new achievement.  

This year we are adding an Aquathlon which will be open to all ages using the school playing fields next to the leisure centre

Individual Triathlon entries: Individuals who wish to swim, cycle and run must be 15 years+ (on 31st December 2026).  Please note that 15 year olds will need parental permission for the bike section.

Relay team entries (Triathlon only) : Relay teams can be made up of two or three participants. In all teams the cyclist must be 15 years+ (on 31st December 2026). Please see below for age restrictions:

Triathlon Relay Teams

8yrs - swim only. 50m (2 lengths)

9 and 10 yrs   - swim only.  150m (6 lengths)

11 and 12 yrs - swim only.  Full distance 250m (10 lengths)

13 and 14 yrs - swim and run only.

15yrs+           - No restrictions. 

Triathlon Individuals 

15 yrs - can complete full event if parental permission is received for the bike section. 

16yrs+ - can complete full event. 

Aquathlon distances age restrictions

TriStar Start (Age 8) - 50m swim (2 lengths), 600m run  (out 300m and back 300m)

TriStar 1 (Age 9-10) - 150m swim (6 lengths), 1,200m run (1 loop)

TriStar 2 (Age 11-12) - 250m swim (10 lengths), 2,000m run (2 loops)

TriStar 3 (Age 13-14) - 250m swim (10 lengths), 2,900m run (3 loops)

Prices:

• Triathlon 
• Adult Individual: £35
• Youth & Junior individual: £25
• Relay team (adults & kids) : £40

• Aquathlon
• Adult  individual: £25
• Kids (Tristars), Youth  and Juniors : £15

Please note, individuals who are not annual members of a British Triathlon Home Nation must purchase a Race Pass to take part in a British Triathlon Home Nation permitted event. A Race Pass provides membership to the sport on the day of the event, a race licence and public liability insurance cover for the duration of the race.

A Race Pass costs £2 for participants aged under 24 and £8 for those aged 24 years and above.

The above costs are automatically added at checkout if you are not a British Triathlon Home Nation member.

Event location, and transition area: North Berwick Sports Centre

Registration on the day: Event registration will be from 07:30 - 8:30 at North Berwick Sports Centre. Please arrive in good time to collect your race number, timing device and to organise your bicycle and kit.

Briefing and start time: Race briefing is mandatory for all participants and will be in the sports centre hall at 08:40. The event will start at 09:00 with the Aquathlon. The Triathlon will start shortly afterwards.

TRIATHLON DESCRIPTION

Swim: 250m - 10 lengths of the 25m pool. There will be two heats using a ladder format. Swimmers will be set off at 15 second intervals.

You are expected to have timed your swim beforehand and will be asked to enter this on the entry form. An accurate swim time will mean that you and those around you are swimming at the same pace. This ensures a pleasant swim for everyone.  We will remind you 3 weeks before the event to review and update your swim time in EntryCentral.

Cycle: 9.3k. The cycle route is along quiet roads towards the South of North Berwick with only one right hand turn.

The route will be well marked with signs and marshals. Bear in mind that marshals are not authorised to stop traffic. Cyclists should be aware that there are a number of sharp bends and narrow roads. The roads are open to the public and you must obey the highway code at all times.

You must wear a helmet when walking or running with your bicycle, including within the transition area. You must have your helmet on and fastened before you touch your bike after the swim and you also must have your bike securely racked before removing your helmet after the cycle.

Drafting on the bike (Slip streaming) is not permitted.

Run: 2.9km run. Our run route is 3 laps of the school playing fields.  The route is on grass and may be slippery and muddy following wet weather. You will return to the finish line at the Sports Centre.

You must not use anything during the Race that would impair your hearing or awareness of others - i.e. earphones.

AQUATHLON DESCRIPTION

The swim will be in the leisure centre pool and will be a ladder format.  Swimmers will be set off at 15 second intervals

Transition will be in a sectioned off area of the car park.

The run will be loops in the school playing fields which are next to the leisure centre.  The route will be on grass.

TriStar Starts (Age 8) 50m swim (2 lengths), run 600m (out and back to school playing fields)

TriStar 1 (Age 9-10) 150m swim (6 lengths), run 1.1km (1 loop of school playing field)

TriStar 2 (Age 11-12) 250m swim (10 lengths), run 2km (2 loops of school playing field)

TriStar 3 (Age 13-14) 250m swim (10 lengths), run 2.9km (3 loops of school playing field)

Youth /Junior  (Age 15-19) 250m swim (10 lengths), run 2.9km (3 loops of school playing field)

Adult  ( Age 20+) 250m swim (10 lengths), run 2.9km (3 loops of school playing field)

Maps detailing the Run & Bike routes can be found here

 Transition area: The transition area is within the Sports Centre car park. This area is for participants only. Please ensure that you have your kit ready by your bicycle before the event starts. Once the event starts you will only be allowed into the transition area while you are participating. To ensure everyone's safety you must not enter the transition area to collect your bicycle or other belongings until the last participant has left on their run.

Relay team transition (Triathlon only): Relay teams will use a designated area to tag their team mate.

Timing: Your performance will be timed using "What's My Time" System.

Insurance: Event insurance is provided by Triathlon Scotland.

Parking: Please follow any instructions for parking on arrival. Parking is available at the far end of the High School car park, at the Law car park and in nearby residential streets.

Consent: By entering this event you give consent to photos being used for future publicity. Triathlon Scotland may contact you following the event to give you information about Triathlon Scotland and other events that you may be interested in.

Prize giving and thanks: The prize giving will take place soon after the last participant has crossed the finish line. This will likely to be before noon. This event is organised by a small group of volunteers with the help of the local community and East Lothian Triathlon Club. The event is non- profit making and we donate to local groups/charities who promote sport and activities. Please stay for the prize giving and show your support.