Sri Chinmoy Try-a-Tri - 2026
The Sri Chinmoy Try-a-Tri is a Swim Bike Run Mini triathlon held at Tockington Manor School, north of Bristol. It is presented as an entry-level event within the Swim-Bike-Run series and runs under British Triathlon rules with certification by the British Triathlon Federation.
Distances for the event:
- 200 m swim in a heated 25 m indoor pool
- 10 km bike on a mostly flat two-loop course
- 3 km run on sports pitches, five laps
The swim takes place in a 25 m heated pool, requiring eight lengths. Lanes are limited to four swimmers at a time and swimmers are grouped by speed. Frontal strokes such as freestyle and breaststroke are permitted; backstroke is not allowed.
The bike course uses quiet, scenic minor roads and consists of two 5 km laps with total ascent of less than 50 m. Any safe, roadworthy bike may be used. The run is an easy, flat course on the school sports pitches and is laid out over multiple laps.
The event is described as beginner focused and part of an SBR-Mini series that typically limits entries to around 50 to 100 competitors. Youth entrants aged 15 or older in the event year are permitted. The course is not suitable for younger triathletes or for para-tri competitors due to pool access and run course constraints. Organisers provide regular guidance and advice for entrants preparing for the race. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
The perfect beginner's triathlon
Aimed at first timers, but with all the challenge you'd expect from a Triathlon! Sunday 2nd August 2026. 200m swim in a heated 25m indoor pool, 10km bike course on scenic and quiet roads - on any bike you like (self-powered!), 3km easy off-road run. Online entries only £20:00 - ENTRIES OPEN NOW. A Swim-Bike-Run-MINI event run in partnership with British Triathlon. ADVICE & GUIDANCE. Monthly emails of beginner's tips and advice from the race organisers will make sure you are well prepared. Regional AWARD WINNER 2022! In partnership with Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team & Run and Become.
Our Try-a-Tri event is tailor-made for beginners, especially first-timers. With manageable "Swim-Bike-Run-Mini" distances and the combination of a heated-pool swim and fairly flat bike and run courses, the Sri Chinmoy Try-a-Tri is a great way to get a taste of the UK's fastest growing endurance sport. First timers can take the plunge into Triathlon in a friendly, low-key & low-cost event where you can use pretty much any bike - from a triathlon/TT bike to a hybrid or mountain bike - and benefit from regular guidance as you prepare for the race. We will send you frequent & regular emails with Q&A on training, equipment, transition & triathlon rules, so you know exactly what to expect on race day.
For 2026 the Try-a-Tri will be part of our award-winning Swim-Bike-Run series in partnership with British Triathlon, at Tockington Manor School just north of Bristol. As well as having a wonderful 25m heated pool, Tockington Manor gives us access to a scenic bike route on mostly flat roads (many of which are designated cycle routes) and an easy run on the school sports field. SBR-Mini events are limited to around 50-100 entrants and have a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for first-timers, so if you want to try a tri for the first time, this event is for you. Think of it is as "like a park run but with swimming/cycling too" and that gives you a pretty good idea of what to expect.
Although it's a low-cost and low key event, this SBR-Mini event is a proper triathlon and entrants will have completed a genuine Tri when they cross the finish line and get presented with their Finisher's Medal.
For photos of previous Try-a-Tri events take a look at our Races Gallery and there are tips and resources for first timers here.
