CROYDE OCEAN TRIATHLON SHOWCASES STAMINA & SUSTAINABILITY AS RECORD NUMBERS TAKE ON THE STUNNING AND SAVAGE COURSE
The eleventh Croyde Ocean Triathlon took place on Sunday 6 July with over 550 competitors battling the waves, wind and rain on the beautiful North Devon coastline in what has been awarded ‘Large South West Event of the Year’ by Triathlon England.
Hailed as one of the UK’s most scenic and challenging triathlons, the Olympic distance course usually involves a 1.5km ocean swim at Putsborough Sands, however due to conditions, this was reduced to 1.25km on the day, followed by a 37km road bike course and a 12km off-road run over hilly coastal terrain. The ‘Still Stunning and Less Savage’ Sprint Triathlon features a 750m swim (reduced to 600m this year), 18.5km bike ride and 5.5km run. Both courses took in the breathtaking sights of the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere, North Devon National Landscape and the North Devon World Surfing Reserve.
Spectators and a record-breaking number of volunteer marshals lined the course, cheering on athletes and creating an uplifting atmosphere from start to finish. Local communities once again showed huge support for the much-loved event.
100% of profits going to the charity Earth Action North Devon (EAND). The event also supports three other amazing local charities; North Devon Hospice, Children’s Hospice South West and Family Compass, the event also raised over £8,000 through fundraising places, where athletes could split their sponsorship between EAND and a charity of their choice.
The behind-the-scenes magic came from an extraordinary volunteer team— blasting music and ringing bells around the course, baking cakes, clearing stones from the beach, sweeping junctions, marshalling, opening gates, paddling with swimmers, and handing out oranges at the finish. The community spirit of the event shone through in comments praising the competitors’ politeness and the volunteers’ incredible positivity throughout the course.
2025 Winners:
Olympic Distance:
Open: Hamish James: 2 hours 24 mins 34.5 seconds.
Female: Kate Lowery: 2 hours 45 mins 50.5 seconds.
Relay: Last Minute Lifeguards: 2 hours 33 mins 42.9 seconds.
Sprint Distance:
Open: Dan Mapp 1 hour 14 mins 27.9 seconds
Female: Victoria Duncan 1 hour 25 mins 21.8 seconds
Relay: Poppy, Phoebe & Kitty: 1 hour 39 minutes 9.9 seconds.
Race Director Jo Hibberd said:
It goes to show that we can tackle anything the weather throws at us; we endured wind, rain, fog, choppy surf and even some sunshine. Nothing could dampen the spirit of the event! With a huge field of athletes heading our way, the team was up at 4 a.m., with one of our trustees swimming the course and myself driving the bike route through the fog to check the conditions were safe before the crowds rolled into Putsborough.
Anyone who’s organised an event of this scale knows it takes an army of passionate, dedicated people to make it happen. And here in North Devon, we are truly blessed.
Beyond our unique and breathtaking scenery, we consistently punch above our weight when it comes to marshalls and volunteers. The athletes feel it—and so do we. No place does volunteering quite like North Devon.
Our sponsors are true heroes in my eyes. Their belief in us to uphold high standards and their ongoing support make this special event possible year after year.
But the real heroes of the day? The competitors. From the pro triathletes giving it their all, to the first-time racers who cross the finish line and collapse—joyful and exhausted—into the arms of our team. From fundraisers and friends, to mothers and sons, grandads and teenagers. This is not an easy triathlon, and I have nothing but admiration for every single participant.
To top the day off Lydia Rosling from British Triathlon popped by to compete and to award us “Best Large South West Large Event of the Year.” So very proud to be part of this team.
And the best part?
We do it all in support of Earth Action North Devon, helping to protect and improve this incredible part of the UK we’re lucky to call home.
The Earth Action North Devon team has been closely involved with the event since its inception in 2015, and in 2018 the event was awarded the accolade of being the first plastic-free sports event of its kind by Surfers Against Sewage. The charity has created a robust sustainability plan that continues to be implemented year after year to make this event the leading light in sustainable sports events nationwide. Features of the plan include: reusable cable ties and signage, medal ribbons handmade from old beach tents, onsite vendor stipulations, all merchandise to be recycled materials or organic with zero packaging, single-use plastics ban on site, reusable coffee cup return scheme, athlete event guidance plus new wooden medals made by a local business a few miles down the road.
Earth Action North Devon CEO Claire Moodie commented:
“There is so much to be incredibly proud of. This year's conditions were testing and every single person involved in helping us run a safe and sustainable event, rose to the challenge as did the dedicated competitors. Despite the changeable weather, there was a consistent positive and joyful buzz in the air, powered by the incredible volunteers, spectators, sponsors and vendors. I am beyond grateful to our North Devon Community, it has been a highlight of my year AGAIN and I can’t wait to do it all again.”
Next year’s triathlon will take place on Sunday 12 July 2026. Early bird tickets are on sale from 18 July. croydeocean.co.uk.
Earth Action North Devon are also keen to share out the success of the event and again offering unlimited charity tickets for 2026.
