Chippenham Tri News
Try a Tri This Spring: Chippenham Tri Mini Event!
Ever wondered what it’s like to take part in a triathlon? This spring, Chippenham Triathlon Club is inviting you to give it a go at the Chippenham Tri Mini Event – a fun, friendly and accessible introduction to one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports.
Taking place on Sunday 19 April 2026, the event is designed specifically for juniors aged 6+, complete beginners, families and anyone keen to try something new in a relaxed and supportive environment.
What’s involved?
The Mini Tri keeps things simple and achievable:
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Swim: 50m pool swim at the Olympiad Leisure Centre
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Bike: 5km off-road cycle around Monkton Park
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Run: 1km off-road run to the finish
With short distances and a fully off-road bike and run course, it’s perfect for first-timers and younger athletes alike.
A welcoming, beginner-friendly experience
The day will start with a group briefing at Monkton Park before heading to the pool for the swim. Club volunteers will be on hand throughout the event to guide participants, offer encouragement, and make sure everyone feels confident and supported from start to finish.
Whether you’re taking part solo, entering as a family, or cheering on your children, the focus is firmly on fun, participation and achievement rather than competition.
Event details at a glance
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Date: Sunday 19 April 2026
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Location: Monkton Park & Olympiad Leisure Centre, Chippenham (SN15 3PA)
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Start time: 14:30
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Finish time: Approx. 17:30
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Entry fees:
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Adults: £20
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Family entry: £30
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Kids (6+): £10
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Why take part?
Triathlon isn’t just for elite athletes – it’s a sport for everyone. The Chippenham Tri Mini Event is a brilliant opportunity to:
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Try triathlon in a safe, low-pressure setting
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Build confidence and fitness
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Spend an active afternoon with family and friends
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Meet members of Chippenham Triathlon Club and learn more about local training opportunities
Many club members took part in their very first triathlon at events just like this – and haven’t looked back since.
How to enter
Places are limited, so early entry is recommended. Simply scan the QR code on the poster or visit:
www.britishtriathlon.org/events
Come and swim, bike, run – and discover just how fun triathlon can be. We can’t wait to welcome you to Chippenham Tri Mini 2026! 🏊♂️🚴♀️🏃♂️
New Year’s Eve Slaughterford Run ❄️
31st December 2025
Chippenham Tri Club closed out the year in fitting fashion with the annual New Year’s Eve Slaughterford Run, heading out on a crisp off-road loop of approximately 9 miles alongside runners from Chippenham Harriers.
It was a very cold and frosty morning, with temperatures well below comfort and the ground rock hard underfoot after an overnight freeze. Despite the conditions, spirits were high as the group set off from Rudloe, heading north through the scenic countryside towards Slaughterford before looping back.
The Chippenham Tri Club contingent included Jamie, Nie, Neil, Paul, Lynsey and Martyn, enjoying a relaxed but steady social pace across the trails. The route showcased some beautiful winter scenery, even if frozen fingers and toes were never far from mind.
The team completed the casual loop in 1 hour 25 minutes, rounding off the year with good company, honest winter miles, and a strong sense of camaraderie.
The Slaughterford run once again proved to be a great way to log some final miles before the New Year, combining tough winter conditions with good company and a scenic route. A solid morning’s running and a strong turnout made it a fitting end to the year’s training for those involved.
Christmas Eve Social Run at Castle Combe 🎄🏃♂️
24th December 2025
Chippenham Tri Club continued the festive season with the annual Castle Combe Christmas Eve Social Run, joining runners from Chippenham Harriers and Corsham Run Club for a sociable off-road loop around the Castle Combe trails.
With temperatures hovering between 3°C and 6°C, it was a crisp and wintry morning for the approximately 6-mile route. While some runners were well wrapped up for the cold conditions, others perhaps discovered a little too late that their festive optimism outweighed their layering strategy.
Despite the chill, spirits were high as the mixed group set off together, enjoying good company and seasonal cheer in classic Christmas Eve style. Chippenham Tri Club soon ran away from the Chippenham Harriers and led the group home, completing the loop in 1 hour 4 minutes. Paul’s dog ensured the pace stayed honest, enthusiastically dragging him along for much of the route.
Although festive cake and mince pies were waiting at the finish, none of the tri team stayed for the treats, instead heading off to continue their Christmas Eve plans.
The run also marked a notable milestone, with Nie completing their 2000th kilometre of the year, a fitting way to close out a strong year of training.
A cold but thoroughly enjoyable way to finish the year, the Castle Combe Christmas Eve Run remains a festive favourite on the club calendar.
Mark and Martin Conquer the Dragon at Ironman Wales 🐉💪
26 Sep 2025
Ironman Wales — widely regarded by Pro Tri News as the toughest Ironman course in the world — was no match for our very own Mark and Martin, who took on the challenge and absolutely slayed the dragon!
The weather looked precarious throughout the day, but reports suggest it held off just enough to avoid adding even more difficulty to an already brutal course. And brutal it was — the terrain, the climbs, and the sheer endurance required made this one of the most demanding races either athlete has faced.
Both Mark and Martin pushed through with grit and determination, crossing the finish line sore but victorious. The following day brought well-earned aches and pains, but also the pride of having conquered one of the world’s toughest triathlon tests.
A huge congratulations to both — what an incredible achievement!
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🏊♂️🚴♂️🏃♂️ Escaping the British Weather: Paul Grabowski & Steve Ferris Conquer IM Italy
26 Sep 2025
While most of us were braving the unpredictable British drizzle last weekend, club members Paul Grabowski and Steve Ferris were chasing the sun—and the finish line—at Ironman Italy.
In the days leading up to the race, nerves were high as forecasts hinted at potentially rough seas. But come race day, the sea gods smiled, offering calm waters and ideal conditions for the swim leg of the triathlon.
Paul delivered yet another stellar performance, crossing the finish line in an impressive 10 hours and 17 minutes. Not far behind, Steve showed true grit and determination, completing the race in 13 hours and 41 minutes.
Their achievements are a testament to months of hard training and dedication. Congratulations to both athletes for representing the club with pride and for proving that sometimes, a little sunshine—and a lot of perseverance—goes a long way.
Well done, Paul and Steve! 🌟
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Pezzer Races to Podium Finish at Cotswold Big Swim, whilst prepping for Half Marathon
7 Sep 2025
Pezzer had a busy and successful weekend of racing, taking on two events across two days. On Saturday, he competed in the Cotswold Big Swim, choosing the 750m distance to complete a double medal set from June’s race. Despite the shorter swim, he delivered an impressive performance, finishing 16th overall, 2nd among male competitors, and 1st in his age category with a time of 14:11. A trophy for his second-place finish is in the post.
On Sunday, Pezzer switched disciplines for the Compton Bassett 5 Mile Road Race, clocking 33:04 to place 34th overall and 18th in his age category. The run served as his final tune-up before the upcoming Chippenham Half Marathon, he with be focusing on controlled pacing and race strategy.
“Not getting any younger,” he joked, “so it’s all about smart preparation now.”
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Strong Performances at the Chippenham Half Marathon! 🏃♀️🏃♂️💪
26 Sep 2025
A few of our club members took on the Chippenham Half Marathon this weekend, and we’re proud to report some fantastic results! Shoutout to Nie, Cameron, Rachel, Jamie, Pez, Rhiannon, and Dom — with Nie leading the team home in style.
A huge thank you also goes to our amazing Tristars, who manned the water station at East Tytherton. Their energy and encouragement provided a much-needed boost right at the halfway point — brilliant support from our youngest stars!
Well done to everyone who ran, volunteered, and cheered. What a great day for the club!
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Chippenham Tri Celebrates Podium Sweep at Lake 62 Evening Series Finale
23 Aug 2025
The final race of the Lake 62 Evening Series took place on Wednesday evening, marking the end of a successful summer of competition for Chippenham Tri. With strong attendance throughout the series, the event has become a staple in the club’s calendar and a key part of the Club Championships. Results for the Lake 62 competition will be announced soon by Kevin, adding to the anticipation.
Chippenham
Tri athletes delivered a standout performance in the series finale, securing podium finishes across all categories. Paul Graboski claimed 1st place overall male in the Triathlon, showcasing his consistency and strength across all disciplines. Rhiannon Loveman followed with an impressive 2nd place overall female finish in the Triathlon, rounding off a strong season.
In the Aqua Bike category, Belinda Stephenson took 1st place overall female, while her partner Tom matched her achievement by finishing 1st overall male. Their double victory highlighted the depth of talent within the club and capped off a memorable evening of racing.
Congratulations to all Chippenham Tri members who competed and contributed to the success of the Lake 62 series. The club continues to thrive with strong performances and community spirit.
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Nevada and Paul Shine at London T100 Amidst Star-Studded Field
23 Aug 2025
The streets of London came alive with energy and elite athleticism as Nevada and Paul took on the iconic London T100 triathlon, delivering impressive performances on a course that wound through the heart of the capital.
With Olympic champion Adam Peaty and other celebrities in attendance, the event was a spectacle of endurance and determination. Interestingly, many spectators noted that the age group course—unlike the professional route the day before—offered a far more scenic experience, showcasing London’s historic landmarks rather than the industrial outskirts.
Nevada powered through the course with a strong finish time of 4 hours and 33 minutes, while Paul crossed the line in 5 hours and 9 minutes, despite a dramatic mid-race incident. During the swim leg, Paul collided head-first with another competitor after diving in for his second lap. The clash left him momentarily dazed, but he showed remarkable resilience by continuing on and completing the race.
Both athletes demonstrated grit and sportsmanship in what was a memorable day of racing. Congratulations to Nevada and Paul for their outstanding efforts on one of the sport’s most iconic stages.
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Braving the Storm: Titan Brecon Challengers Conquer Torrential Rain
Brecon Beacons, Wales — This past weekend, a handful of determined adventurers faced down nature’s fury in the formidable Titan Brecon challenge. With torrential rain hammering the hills and fierce winds threatening to sweep them off the mountain, the conditions were nothing short of brutal.
Despite the relentless weather, Lynsey Carpenter, Christine Mardle, Neil Lewis, and Martin Riddell pressed on, embodying true grit and resilience. Battling through sheets of rain and gusts that tested every step, they completed the arduous event with unwavering determination.
“It felt like the mountain wanted to throw us off,” one participant said. “But we held our ground. We survived.”
The Titan Brecon is known for its demanding terrain and unpredictable weather, but this weekend’s conditions pushed even seasoned athletes to their limits. The achievement of these brave souls stands as a testament to human endurance and camaraderie in the face of adversity.
Tristars race at
Bowood Triathlon
Well done to all our Tristars who competed this weekend at the Bowood Triathlon!
This event marked the first triathlon in open water without a wetsuit! and the first draft-legal race for some of the South West Series. Our athletes delivered fantastic results across the board in a range of categories, showcasing determination and skill.
These performances should place all our Tristars in a strong position within the South West League. Congratulations to everyone who took part—you’ve made the club proud!
Tristar 1: Males: Aiden placed 1st, Josh came in 10th. Females: Hazel took 1st place and Winnie finished 2nd
Tristar 2: Liv achieved an impressive 1st place
Tristar 3 (Draft Legal) Alex finished 8th,
Tristar 3 (Non-Drafting) Jenson secured 2nd place
Youth Race: Naomi placed 6th
Amazing effort from all our athletes—your hard work and determination really shone through. Well done, everyone.
Great Day at
Wild Boar
What a day at the Wildboar Triathlon! The conditions were tough, with a fierce wind making things extra challenging, but that didn’t stop anyone from giving it their all—great effort, Rich, Steve, Neil and Paul in those gusts today.
Results aren’t posted yet, but word on the street is that Paul Grabowski stormed home in 4th place overall—fantastic work!
Tristars Lake 86 Open Water Swim
Ten of our enthusiastic Tristars took the plunge at Lake 86 this weekend for an introduction to open water swimming, followed by some focused open water training ahead of their upcoming races. For many, it was their first experience swapping the familiar pool lanes for the open expanse of the lake—a challenge they met with determination and excitement.
The day was a resounding success, with everyone making great progress and building confidence in the open water. While some discovered a new love for swimming outside, others still prefer the comforts of the pool—but all agreed the session was valuable and fun.
A huge well done to all our Tristars for embracing the challenge and supporting each other every stroke of the way! Good luck in your upcoming open water races—you’re ready!
Great Racing at the 113 Middle Distance Event
It was a day of fierce competition and camaraderie as six standout athletes—Lee Green, Neil R Drury, Neil Perry, Martin Riddell, Steve Ferris, and Duncan Cooper—took on the challenge of the 113 Middle Distance event.
The course delivered no shortage of excitement, especially on the bike leg, where gusty winds kept everyone on their toes and demanded top focus and grit from all competitors. Despite the tough conditions, spirits remained high, and the group pushed each other to impressive performances across the board.
Behind the scenes, Coach Perry was on hand with expert race prep tips, making sure everyone was ready for the challenge. His advice ranged from the technical to the practical, but perhaps his most memorable tip of the day was a lighthearted reminder: “Really check the label on the beer you’re drinking!”—a nod to the importance of attention to detail, both on and off the course.
Congratulations to all six athletes for their determination and sportsmanship. The 113 Middle Distance event certainly delivered a memorable day of racing!
