The iconic Blenheim Palace Triathlon returned for its 20th edition, with over six thousand participants swimming, cycling and running their way through the UK’s most picturesque triathlon route across the first weekend of June 2024.
The triathlon is thought to be the only event of its type in the world that takes place on the grounds of a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the most popular mass-participation triathlons in Europe.
In addition to the stunning scenery on show at Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, the triathlon offers a beginner-friendly route and is seen as one of the best triathlons for newcomers to the sport. Indeed, around 40 per cent of participants were taking on their first triathlon.
This year’s event featured two different race distances – a sprint distance comprising a 750m swim, 19.8km bike and 5.4km run, and a super sprint consisting of a 400m swim, 13.3km bike and 2.9km run – making it especially suitable for all abilities.
Participants completed the course individually or as part of a relay where team members took turns completing different legs of the race. All finishers received a medal, t-shirt, and Blenheim Palace Triathlon swim hat for completing the event.
Also on offer for more experienced athletes was the Weekend Warrior option, which allowed them to complete as many back-to-back triathlons as they could across the weekend. Four participants completed the sprint triathlon an impressive eight times over the two days.
This year saw an increase on last year’s entries, including British professional marathon runner Anya Culling, who recently completed the Wizz Air Hackney Half, also organised by Motiv Sports UK.
A host of clubs from across the country brought in their athletes in their numbers to the event this year, including over 100 participants from London-based Kensal Tri, Army Triathlon Association, female participation charity Fund Her Tri and a host of regional clubs from the Oxfordshire area including Oxford Triathlon Club, Bicester Triathlon Club and Abingdon & Vale Triathlon Club.
The complete list of results can be viewed on the Sportive website.
There was an event village offering a great selection of food and drink vendors, and along with the lively presenters and music, there was a vibrant festival feel to the atmosphere, making it a most pleasant day out for friends, family and spectators.
Andy Taylor, Race Director for the Blenheim Palace Triathlon: “It’s been an incredible weekend here in Oxfordshire, the Blenheim Palace Triathlon delivered once again. All participants got to enjoy the incredible scenery, and the variety of race distances made it a really inclusive event.
“We’re honoured to have organised the 20th edition of this iconic event and seeing the effort put in by the triathletes, staff, partners and volunteers is inspiring, congratulations to all involved. We’ve also raised a brilliant amount of money for charity and it’s wonderful to hear all the stories of individual fundraising successes from the weekend.”
Motiv Sports UK will host the Oxford Half later this year, which takes place on 13 October. The event, which takes in the historic sites of Oxford, has already sold out in record time.
Visit the Blenheim Palace Triathlon website to sign up for 2025’s event at the lowest price.
Click to expand. All images courtesy of Motiv Sports UK
