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Event Report for Croyde Ocean Triathlon 2025
Submitted by David Bennett on Thursday 10th July 2025
Competitor Info
Score: Excellent
Comments: There was a detailed race pack available to all competitors prior to race day and a compulsory online race briefing which you could join live or receive a link to watch before the event. I watched the briefing post-transmission and it covered all the necessary requirements and more. Questions were being answered via the chat and it all seemed to go very well. This may be something worth investigating for other events to adopt.
Registration Process
Score: Excellent
Comments: Registration was open in the Croyde Village Hall the evening before the event and also in the early hours of race day. This seemed to work very well and gave competitors the choice of when to complete their entry. It was very efficient, and the majority of the competitors took advantage of the evening before to register, reducing stress levels on the morning of the event. All necessary documentation, race permit, route maps, QR codes for the license link, etc., were displayed and clearly visible.
Comments: One note for further investigation from a British Triathlon perspective: when previous members of British Triathlon went online to try and purchase a day pass, they were entering their email address and being redirected to purchasing a full membership renewal. I suspect this was because the system recognized their email address and assumed they wanted to renew.
Swim Organisation and Safety
Score: Excellent
Comments: There was some discussion prior to race day regarding the swim course due to high winds and swell. The safety team, local experts, and the RNLI had further discussions on the morning of the race before making the correct decision to shorten the swim course. It was agreed to reduce the Sprint to 600 metres and the Olympic to 1250 metres. This allowed for better concentration of safety craft—jet skis, canoes, beach observers, and a power boat—to monitor the swimmers and ensure their safety. The sea temperature was 17.5°C.
Transition Area
Score: Good
Comments: I was hovering between “excellent” and “good” and wish there was a “very good” option. The actual layout is very good—it’s on an incline and grass, which isn’t always ideal, especially if the weather is bad.
Comments: I have a small suggestion: for the competitors and transition team, it would be more efficient to have the racking numbered individually. This doesn’t have to involve white stickers and handwritten numbers that usually only last one event. You can now obtain small clip-over tubing pieces, or even buy lengths and cut them yourself—write the number in permanent pen and they’re reusable.
Comments: Another consideration that may require further discussion is the mount/dismount line position. Currently, it’s a fair distance away from transition and in inclement weather caused some concerns. Above all, the area was extremely well marshalled, and controlled entry was excellent.
Design and Signage of Courses
Score: Excellent
Comments: I must say there were more than enough signs displayed both in transition and around the course. Sometimes, less is more—as the more signs displayed, the less competitors read. However, with enthusiastic marshals also reminding competitors of upcoming hazards, everything was well covered.
Drafting
Score: Excellent
Comments: No reports of drafting were brought to my attention. I drove the course and noted areas of sharp descents and long, slow inclines, so there was inevitably the possibility of some unintentional drafting. However, nothing I observed was worthy of a penalty—just some education.
Marshals
Score: Excellent
Comments: What more can I say regarding the marshals, building on last year’s excellent response? This year, the weather was much more intense, but that didn’t quell their enthusiasm. They are a credit to this event and the support they provide.
Comments: The cakes and hot drinks, all provided free of charge by a dedicated team, were very well received. Nothing was too much trouble. A great success—long may it continue.
Overall Safety of Event
Score: Excellent
Comments: The event was very well supported by the local lifesaving team, RNLI, and First Aid responders around both the sea course and the bike route. There was a sweeper vehicle and cyclist ensuring that any problems were quickly dealt with. No major injuries were reported, thankfully.
Response from Competitors
Score: Excellent
Comments: The majority of the competitors I spoke to, both before and after the event, commented on how well organized it was—and, as the title says, “Savage,” which was fitting on this blustery day.
Comments: There were a couple of competitors who thought the swim should have been cancelled due to the conditions, but the vast majority were extremely pleased that it wasn’t. It was a challenge, and any hesitation or concerns were dispersed once they saw the number of safety team members in and around the course. My thanks to all involved.
Treatment of Officials and Marshals
Score: Excellent
Comments: As with most events, the marshals are key to the success of an event—and this was no exception. The weather was very changeable, but the entire team pulled together and were extremely supportive throughout the day.
Comments: The local inhabitants were all very helpful and understanding. Without the community support, I don’t think it would be possible to logistically support this great event.
Additional Comments
Comments: Nothing further to add, as the event seems to be growing on an annual basis—and it’s understandable why. This is not an easy triathlon. It’s a challenge for all competitors, whether it’s your first or your hundred and first.
Comments: It’s one of those courses that not only tests your physical abilities but your mental stamina as well. I love it, and hopefully it will continue for many more athletes to enjoy. Thank you.
