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TBF Events

Helvellyn Triathlon

Jenkins Field, Glenridding, CA11 0PB

TBF Events

Helvellyn Triathlon

Jenkins Field, Glenridding, CA11 0PB

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Overall Rating

4.5/ 5

47 reviews
Would you recommend it to others? Yes
How did you rate the scenery? 5/5
How did you rate the atmosphere? 5/5
How did you rate the organisation? 5/5
Do you think this was friendly to beginners? Yes

Andrew Pomfret

A very special event, that has not lost its odd ball feel.

Thank you for retaining the original feel of the event, it is a very unique event that deserves to continue to thrive.

Reviewed using Eventrac, Sep 2026
Graham Hill

Amazing day out, competing in stunning surroundings!

Absolutely superb. Great, low-key atmosphere and the marshalls on the course were amazing.

Only points of note concern the swim leg. Website stated it was a 1 mile swim. Joining instructions stated 1500m, and then on the day it appeared to be a 1km swim?? When entering we had to submit our swimmers 1 mile estimated time. This put him in the 'fast' category yet he was put in wave 4 on the day.

Still had a great day out though. Huge respect to those who completed all 3 legs whilst I only did the run leg (and that was bad enough!!!).

Reviewed using Eventrac, Sep 2026
Jamie Williams

Beautiful course. Great first time!

I was surprised that the swim was shorter than advertised. No explanation of that was given.

Given the entry fee, to be required to purchase a map, foil blanket, and parking, was a little disappointing. You also have to buy your photos. No drinks stations on the course made it feel even more like the entry fee was over the top. I understand that road closures and the event materials will cost money but the majority of the course is a free to access part of the national park.

Reviewed using Eventrac, Sep 2026
Nick Halford

Short swim, no goody bag at the end. Poorly waymarked at the top of Helvellyn

Second time at this event. The location, scenery and challenge is Awesome. I thought my tracking device had maybe tracked wrong, but seems the swim was short.
Witnessed and stopped to help a rider who crashed (277 I hope you are ok) I slowed the traffic etc, to be met with a few insults from other riders!! Then struggled to find a marshal to alert the team of the accident.
The run route up was well waymarked, until the top. One marshal at the top (congratulated me for reaching the top), turn right and the path has fork in. Unfortunately, the flag for the right-hand fork was up the path a way and was not visible due to the fog. A group of us followed the wrong path for over a mile and dropped 300meters before realizing. After climbing back up, it still wasn't clear where the correct route was. Further down the path out of the mist, there was a marshal, and I explained what had happened. He said, "I normally stand up there to stop that happening". Not sure why at the most crucial of point on the run, there wasn't a marshal or more noticeable arrow. Returning back to transition and crossing the finish line, there were soggy nachos and pieces of orange.

Reviewed using Eventrac, Sep 2026
Alex Fowler

My 3rd Helvellyn Triathlon and I keep coming back for the friendly grass roots atmosphere and the challenge.

Reviewed using Eventrac, Sep 2026
Willie Wilson

Brutal but beautiful, Epic but enjoyable and strenuous but stunning

I have raced all over the world and I really enjoyed the low key, but professional atmosphere of this race.

Pre race communications, the
Set up and delivery of this bucket list race in a stunning location

If you are thinking of doing this event then stop thinking and enter, you won’t be disappointed!

Reviewed using Eventrac, Sep 2026
Kelli Coxhead

Stunning location, highly recommend

Loved it, thank you! A tough course, with Lake District weather all in one day. Sun, rain mist and wind! What more could you ask for. Huge huge thanks for great organisation and to all the marshals! Thank you.

Reviewed using Eventrac, Sep 2026
Chris Egan

Very tough event but great day

The swim seemed short, which was a shame as the lake was beautiful.
Very well marked (although one or two more to guide off the top would have helped) & marshalled - lots of them & all very encouraging.
Good traffic management for the bike leg - I was a bit worried about the A66 but needn’t have been.

Reviewed using Eventrac, Sep 2026
Angela Jackson

Great challenging event!

Swim was shortened.
Facilities for ladies was rubbish. Nowhere to get changed and no en-route toilets.
Aquabike finish was dreadful
But otherwise great event, well organised, well marked and staffed.

Reviewed using Eventrac, Sep 2026
Tayah Hopes

A fun way to get real sore legs

The run was particularly special, and it was nice to ride the struggle on a closed road. The swim was lovely... if only it was 1500m not 1000m

Reviewed using Eventrac, Sep 2026
Nicholas Miller

Amazing Amazing Amazing

This was the best and hardest tri but oh so worth it. If you want to test yourself to the limit, this is it. The swim was cold, a very challenging bike ride and then the run which was hard, but oh so amazing. Brilliant organisation, fantastic inclusive atmosphere. I finished right at the back of the race and the stewards and marshalls were so supportive, other athletes helped out. it was brilliant.

Reviewed using Eventrac, Sep 2026
Chris Jones

stunning scenary but a tough route.

Very good organisation except for the weather. Stunning bike route with an epic climb. The “run” is as tough going down as it is going up.

Reviewed using Eventrac, Sep 2026
Trudy Macklin

Epic swim bike run adventure in the lakes and hills of helvellyn

Pre race info was very good. Great to get routes in advance. Race morning briefing was great and v detailed. Lake was beautiful and cold. This was in the notes so wasn’t a shock. Swim was short it seems from my watch. Bike route is epic and hilly. It was very busy with cars. Struggle was supposed to be closed but there were three cars on there when I was going up (before it reopened) and didn’t see anyone manning the closure. Get the right gears and you’ll be fine! Run route epic too! Marshalls and volunteers were all fabulous and supportive. I only put maybe as a recommendation for beginners as it’s just incredibly tough!. I was back of the pack and did it and everyone was super supportive. Family would have loved to have tracked properly but I know this would increase the price. It’s incredibly great value compared to other events. And the route and price were the reason I chose it. Thanks to everyone who made it happen.

Reviewed using Eventrac, Sep 2026

Great Event

Did this event 6 years ago and loved it and still the same again this year. The buzz is incredible once you have cycled to the top of the struggle and climbed to the top of Helvellyn. Swim was shorter than 1.5km but wasn't an issue as no one is doing this event for a PB

Reviewed using Eventrac, Sep 2026
Anonymous

Short swim, no goody bag at the end. Poorly waymarked at the top of Helvellyn

Second time at this event. The location, scenery and challenge is Awesome. I thought my tracking device had maybe tracked wrong, but seems the swim was short.
Witnessed and stopped to help a rider who crashed (277 I hope you are ok) slowed the traffic etc, to be met with a few insults from other riders!! Then struggled to find a marshal to alert the team of the accident.
The run route up was well waymarked, until the top. One marshal at the top (congratulated me for reaching the top), turn right and the path has fork in. Unfortunately, the flag for the right-hand fork was up the path a way and was not visible due to the fog. A group of us followed the wrong path for over a mile and dropped 300meters before realizing. After climbing back up, it still wasn't clear where the correct route was. Further down the path out of the mist, there was a marshal, and I explained what had happened. He said, "I normally stand up there to stop that happening". Not sure why at the most crucial of point on the run, there wasn't a marshal or more noticeable arrow. Returning back to transition and crossing the finish line, there were soggy nachos and pieces of orange.

Reviewed using Eventrac, Sep 2026
Shaun Lawson

Quality, Iconic event.

An absolutely brilliant event with each phase iconic for everyone competing. Shame about the shortened swim.

Just a couple of things for me, I wasn't sure who I was racing, it was unclear if people were solo, team or aquabike, especially at the pointy end of the field as there was a mixed bag.
The accent of Helvellyn could have been a bit better marshalled/signed, I stopped a few times and hesitated. I appreciate I had a map and could have done a recce beforehand.
Otherwise a really great event and well organised. Thank you all.

Reviewed using Eventrac, Sep 2026
Shaun Lawson

Quality, Iconic event.

An absolutely brilliant event with each phase iconic for everyone competing. Shame about the shortened swim.

Just a couple of things for me, I wasn't sure who I was racing, it was unclear if people were solo, team or aquabike, especially at the pointy end of the field as there was a mixed bag.
The accent of Helvellyn could have been a bit better marshalled/signed, I stopped a few times and hesitated. I appreciate I had a map and could have done a recce beforehand.
Otherwise a really great event and well organised. Thank you all.

Reviewed using Eventrac, Sep 2026
Richard Smith

Brutal but iconic

The swim was only 1km and not 1.6km so v disappointing that I can’t now compare with my previous races. It also diminishes the achievement not racing the full distance.
The medal is ok but the t-shirt design was not very good at all so I didn’t purchase one.

Reviewed using Eventrac, Sep 2026
david walsh

Iconic Event

Shame swim was short, 1K instead of 1.5K but great location. The bike was hard as expected and the Struggle lived up to its name. The climb up Helvellyn is iconic and the descent is one for specialists and needs top end fell shoes. Very well marshalled. Could do with some supply of free water in transition as there is none on the course and its tricky to bring all your water with you.

Reviewed using Eventrac, Sep 2026
Nastasja Douglass

Scenic, Savage, Unforgettable: Hellvellyn Triathlon

This was an amazing race — honestly, probably the toughest I've taken on so far!

The course was absolutely scenic, and the obstacles made it genuinely challenging in the best way. It pushed me more than any other race I've done, and I loved that.

One suggestion for the organisers: it would be great to have at least one toilet on the route for ladies, if that's possible to arrange for future events.
Overall, a brilliant, well-organised event.

Reviewed using Eventrac, Sep 2026
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Overall Rating

4.5/5

Based on 47 reviews - View All
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