Information A - Z
bag store
There will be no facilities for storing bags or valuables at the Palace. You are permitted to place a small soft-sided bag (such as a rucksack) or box (max size 50cm x 40cm x 25cm) into Transition. Your bag or box must be placed within the width of the bike handlebars and cannot impede the progress or space of any other competitor. All property is left at the owner’s risk.
IMPORTANT: Please ensure you clearly mark your bag/box to make it easily recognisable. When coming back from transition after the swim leg, you should pack away your wetsuit so that it doesn’t get mistakenly picked up by another participant.
bike
It is your responsibility to bring a bike that is road-worthy and complies with the BTF rules (visit www.britishtriathlon.org for more information). We recommend that you have your bike serviced before the event. Bike hire is available through On Your Bike
Your handlebars must not have bare open metal ends. Please obtain stoppers to plug them before coming to the event
Approved cycling safety helmets of ANSI Z90.4, SNELL B90, EN 1078 or an equivalent national standard must be worn by competitors. (NOTE: a CE mark is NOT an approval mark)
NB: ANY HELMET BOUGHT IN RECENT YEARS WILL COMPLY BUT CHECK FOR DAMAGE WHICH WOULD STOP IT FROM PROTECTING YOU PROPERLY.
Fixed wheel bikes (bikes that use the pedals as a brake) are not permitted in the event.
Our BTF Referees will be on site to stop anyone from using a bike that does not comply with the BTF rules.
NB: CYCLING IS NOT PERMITTED AROUND THE GROUNDS OF BLENHEIM PALACE UNLESS WHILST TAKING PART IN THE EVENT.
changing facilities & Showers
There are no changing facilities or showers on-site. We recommend you arrive ready for the event and bring some warm clothes for afterwards.
NB: UNLESS YOU HAVE ACCESS TO THE RECOVERY ZONE.
corporates at blenheim palace triathlon
Blenheim Triathlon always hosts teams made up of corporate companies who take on the challenge alongside their colleagues and this year is no different. For those who aren’t taking part in the race, will be cheering on from the side lines in the corporate VIP area. If your company is looking for ways to enhance the standard entry offering to ensure employees have the best event experience, please contact llteams@motivsports.com for information on 2026 bespoke offering.
event attire
A wetsuit is compulsory and it is your responsibility to ensure you have one on event day. The wetsuit will not only keep you warm, but will also help you to swim faster as it provides you with extra buoyancy.
Don’t have a wetsuit for your 2025 Blenheim Palace Triathlon? Head to Zone3 to get kitted out.
You also have the option of hiring a wetsuit. Find out more here. Please note, wetsuits will not be available for hire on the day. Surf and shortie wetsuits are allowed, but these are very different to a triathlon specific wetsuit, which is designed for swimming and fits like a second skin.
NB: WE STRONGLY ADVISE YOU TO SWIM IN YOUR WETSUIT BEFORE THE EVENT.
This is normally possible by asking at your local pool or by finding one of the many places that allow you to swim in open water around the country. Please note that there is NO swimming allowed in the Blenheim Palace lake except during the event. It is good to practice getting out of the wetsuit too! Top tip: a nonpetroleum based lubricant (e.g. baby oil) on the wrists and ankles will help in Transition to take your wetsuit off.
event rules
You are recommended to familiarise yourself with the British Triathlon Federation rules and regulations, otherwise you may be penalised for breaking a rule. For further information visit the British Triathlon Federation website or call them on 01509 226 161.
exhibitors/Partners
Zone 3 - Official Swim partner
Maurten - Official nutrition partner
Runna - Official online training partner (not on site)
Erdinger - Alcohol free drink partner
Scimitar - Official event merchandise
Brownlee Foundation - Delivering a children’s run and bike activity
MonkeySox - Socks
Hydravit - Hydration products
British Triathlon Federation (BTF)
On You Bike - Bike Hire / Bike Mechanics
Food Concessions
food
There will be catering outlets located in the Event Village; serving a selection of hot and cold food & drinks. These units will be in operation during the event village opening hours on both Saturday and Sunday. You can also purchase a Picnic Hamper from Blenheim Palace to enjoy on the day. For more info and to purchase, visit here.
fundraising
JustGiving makes raising money simple and fun. You can set up an online page in a few quick steps and instantly spread the word via email and social media. Just Giving will send your donations directly to your chosen charity so all you need to worry about is your training. www.justgiving.com.
HYDRATION - DRINKING SAFELY
Sensible fluid intake is necessary for triathlon. Your thirst is the best and safest guide as to how much to drink during the event. You should start the event adequately hydrated and then drink small amounts as your thirst dictates. Avoid drinking too much fluid before, during or after the event, as it is possible to get ill from drinking too much fluid (this applied to water OR sports drinks). There will be refill points in the event village so please be sure to top up your bottles before heading into transition! There is a water station on the run route, it is located approximately 500m after exiting transition, and water will be available as you cross the finish line.
iab
The world’s leading medal personalisation experts. Born in 2007, iTAB partner with over 500 races worldwide to help millions of participants commemorate and celebrate their amazing sporting achievement. So, whether you’re taking part in your first ever triathlon or a new PB, mark that special moment in time with a personalised medal engraved with your name and time. To order your iTAB, visit www.itab.us.com and search for Blenheim Triathlon on the event page.
litter
Please use the bins provided. If using nutrition products during the event, please do not drop for littering. Rule 2.1 a.) xi
lost property
Please hand any items found to the competitor Help Desk in the Event Village. We will hold onto any event lost property for 6 weeks after the event. Visit the Help Desk during the event to claim lost items or alternatively you can email hello@blenheimtriathlon.com after the event.
mechanic
There will be a bike mechanic tent in the event village where you will be able to take your bike for a check over or if you think you have an issue with your bike. This will be run by On Your Bike and will be available on both Saturday and Sunday.
on the day
Do not compete if you feel ill or have recently been unwell. This advice applies even if you are raising money for charity. If you feel feverish, have had diarrhoea, been vomiting or had any chest pains, DO NOT TAKE PART! Taking part in a triathlon when experiencing a medical emergency during the event.
In the swim, please do not use washing up liquid to prevent your goggles from steaming up as this can irritate your eyes. We also advise not putting your wetsuit on fully until you are about enter the water on warm days. This is to keep you as cool as possible as over heating in them is a common problem seen by the medical team. If the weather on event day is warm or humid do not try for a personal best but rather take it easy and enjoy the day. Serious heat related medical problems are common, even in the triathlon. If you are feeling warm, slow down and stop in a safe and sheltered area to cool off - if you still feel unwell vehicle to ask for medical help and we will come to you.
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO
Our friendly photographers at Marathon Photos will be taking your snaps on course, as well at the signs and be sure to give the photographers a wave or thumbs up if you’re feeling the love. We will send you an email with a link to your photos to purchase in the days after the race or purchase them now and experience the perks of LIVE photos. Every time you pass a MarathonPhotos Live photographer, you could have photos online within seconds! Photos will be LIVE from the start of the race.
prior to event day
In order to get the most out of your bike, and reduce the likelihood of an injury, we recommend that you have a specialist bike assessment. Bikes that are not set up properly can lead to overuse injuries and may affect your event time, or lead to you pulling out during the event.
Having correctly fitting trainers is also important to prevent injuries. Trainers take some breaking in and have a shelf life of between 300-400 miles. If in doubt head to a specialist running shop or sports podiatrist for a gait assessment. Feet change over time so it’s important to do this regularly as you may require different types of shoes to previous years. If you are planning on using gels or snacks during the event, try training with them beforehand to make sure they agree with you when exercising.
prizes & results
A medal and finisher t-shirt will be given to every participant who completes The Blenheim Palace Triathlon. You must collect your medal on event day. Results will be sent via SMS text message service if we have been provided with a British mobile number.
Recovery Zone
After the event, why not book yourself into the recovery zone for massage, sauna, cold plunge, private showers and toilets and changing facilities. Book here.
toilets
There are toilet facilities available in the Event Village, on the west side of the Palace and on leaving the Transition for the swim start.