RTC Events
Next Race: 21/06/2026
Car park area of Uncle Toms Cabin, Shoebury Common Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS3 9HG
Next Race: 21/06/2026
Car park area of Uncle Toms Cabin, Shoebury Common Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS3 9HG
Fantastic race to enter!
It was my first triathlon. The sea was choppy and I enjoyed it because completing the swim felt more of achievement. We have been watched all the time and helped by lifeguards so felt safe all the way. Transition was easy to access and there were Marshalls pointing participants into right direction. The bike ride was good, the roads weren't busy and there were Marshalls helping along the way. The run was good as well, flat most of the way. I enjoyed the atmosphere, supportive Marshals, friendly participants. Very well organized race. Definitely recommended, definitely would do that again!!!
Thank you so much for your fantastic review — and congratulations on completing your first triathlon! We’re so pleased to hear you felt safe, supported, and able to enjoy the challenge — especially with those choppy swim conditions! Our lifeguards and marshals work hard to ensure athletes have the best experience possible, so it’s great to hear their efforts made a difference. It means a lot that you’d recommend the event and want to return — we’d love to have you back on the start line again next year!
Much better than last year!
The triathlon was well planned this year, lots of communication which is super important. The added bonus of goodie bags was fantastic and very well received. The volunteers and organisers where fantastic, had fantastic spirit and really helped with encouragement.
A few suggestions, no one could hear a word being said on the beach through the speaker, unsure if that was the speaker or the mic but it was as muffled as the airport which lead to the people closest "passing back the info". A clearer mic would be well received. As people have mentioned a clearer run/cycle entrance would be good, we had some issues with volunteers directing people to the finish line before they had completed all their laps which led to confusion. Maybe a segregated and sign posted slip road for finishers while the rest of the path be dedicated to laps 1/2/3/4 etc would be helpful.
Finally a mechanic station at 5k and 15k would have been a nice addition, not that it's anyone job to sort out issues but I saw people with loose saddles etc that could have been solved in 30 seconds with an Allen key, this would be a really welcome addition and one that people could go to for basic support should they need it (not talking flat tyres etc but just basic tightening etc)
All in all a fantastic event!
Thanks so much for your detailed and thoughtful feedback — and for the kind words about the volunteers, communication, and overall event experience. We're really glad you had a great day and enjoyed the atmosphere and goodie bags! Regarding the speaker on the beach — that's really useful to know. Interestingly, we’ve had feedback this years participants that sound projection was clear and easily heard. We’ll review the setup and equipment to ensure it's crisp and audible for everyone next time. On the bike support side — as per British Triathlon guidelines, the bike leg is considered an unsupported course, so all participants are expected to carry their own basic tools and spares for things like punctures or minor adjustments. That said, we do perform a basic bike check at the entrance to transition to flag any obvious issues with safety. We'll look into the feasibility of a simple tool station for future events as a courtesy offering, but responsibility for bike maintenance will always remain with the athlete. As for the run/cycle flow and lap counting confusion — you’re not alone in that feedback, and it’s already on our improvement list for next year. We’re actively exploring more distinct signage and clearer flow control for those finishing versus those still completing laps. Thanks again for racing with us and for taking the time to share your thoughts — they really help us make The Southend Triathlon better each year.
Absolutely Incredible Event
An absolutely class event which was brilliantly organised and a thoroughly enjoyable race experience , Looking forward to next years!
Thanks a ton for the awesome feedback! We’re buzzing to hear you had a great time and loved the event — that’s exactly what we aim for. The team puts in a serious shift behind the scenes, so it's brilliant to see it all pay off on race day. Roll on next year — we’ll be ready and waiting for you!
Excellent & well run event
Excellent event which was well run from registration right through to crossing the finish line and beyond
One way swim was great as it was fast and avoided the bunching which happened around the bouys in previous races, the choppy sea made it good fun :)
The marshalls on the cycle & run routes were excellent and the additional marshalls on the bike ride were much appreciated.
The goody bags when we registered on the Saturday were a bonus and contained some really useful bits
My only suggestion for improvement would be around the cycle and run entrance and exit which was a little confused especially as spectators were standing around and between them. Having these points close was good for spectators, especially those who were looking out for more than one person, but could possibly be improved for the participants.
Overall, a really enjoyable event so massive thanks to the organisers, the safety cover and all the marshalls
Thanks so much for the thoughtful and detailed review — we really appreciate it! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the event from start to finish and that the new one-way swim worked well for you. That choppy sea definitely added some extra spice this year — glad to hear you embraced the challenge! Big cheers for your kind words about the marshals and the goody bags — we’ll pass that on to the team who put in the legwork behind the scenes. And thank you for your constructive note about the entrance/exit layout for the cycle and run. You’ve nailed the balance we wanted to keep it spectator-friendly while maintaining flow for athletes, and it’s clear there’s still room to tweak and improve that zone. We’ll absolutely review that setup for next year to make it smoother and clearer for participants without compromising the spectator experience. Massive thanks again for racing with us and taking the time to give such useful feedback — it means a lot to the whole crew. Hope to see you on the start line again next year!
A most enjoyable and well organised event.
We’re really glad you enjoyed the event. It means a lot to our whole team and amazing crew of volunteers who help bring it all together. We hope to welcome you back to the Southend Triathlon in 2026!
Nice local event
Parking Registration and transition were excellent. The sea swim was particularly choppy but well organised and felt safe. The bike course running through some fairly built up areas suffered from quite a lot of cars on the road, stopping and turning etc the course also seemed to have several turns across traffic ,very well marshalled but possibly required some compulsory foot downs, I'm not sure if any improvements could be made to the bike route. Nice clear run route. Great volunteers and marshals .
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review — we're really glad to hear you felt the event was well organised, especially the swim safety, transition setup, and volunteer support. It means a lot to the whole team. We appreciate your honest feedback on the bike course. You're right — navigating urban areas brings its own challenges, and while our marshals worked hard to manage you through the course safely, we're always reviewing whether further measures (like compulsory foot downs at specific junctions) could enhance rider safety without disrupting the race flow. Your input helps us improve year on year, and we’ll be taking it into account as we review plans for 2026. Thanks again for being part of the Southend Triathlon, and we hope to see you back next year!
A great morning of sport
Well done everyone and thanks to the organisers and marshals.
Thank you for your feedback and pleased that you enjoyed the event
Changed from last 2 years.
Would prefer race pack to be posted out as I did a 60 mile round trip to collect, didn’t want to leave until race day as I like to get everything ready before. Prefer not to run laps rather do ‘there and back’ route. Quiet heavy traffic on the cycle but more than likely due to the later start time. (Presumably for the right tide). On the plus side there were plenty of Marshall’s.
Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts following the race — we really appreciate it. We completely understand your preference for posted race packs. It’s something we’re actively reviewing for future editions. Right now, collection helps us ensure athletes have the latest updates and can pick up extras like goodie bags — but we know a 60-mile round trip isn’t ideal, and we’ll take that on board. As for the run route, we hear you on laps vs. out-and-back. The multi-lap format helps with event logistics and safety coverage in a busy urban area, but we’ll definitely consider ways to make the run feel more varied and flowing. Regarding the cycle traffic — you’re spot on. The later start was tide-dependent for swim safety, which pushed some riders into slightly busier road conditions. Again, it’s on our radar and we’ll assess what can be done there too. Really glad you found the marshalling strong — our volunteer team puts a huge amount in, and it’s great to know it was felt out on the course. Thanks again for being part of the event and helping us shape future improvements.
Great, well run, local triathlon.
I like the fact that the swim was tide assisted and one way. Although the sea was very choppy, due to weather conditions, I was still able to get through it! Glad I decided to wear a wetsuit in ghe end. The bike course felt 'fairer' with the deadzone at the traffic lights (unlike previous years) and I liked the run course being two full laps and accurate to the 5k distance. Organisation was good as was the communication leading up to the event. Great supporters, marshals and medal! Overall well done and thank you. Perhaps having a pre race briefing prior to making our way to the swim starts might help reduce any competitor confusion on bike/run routes - but I thought this had been explained well in the pre-event email - but not everyone reads their emails?
Thanks
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review, we’re really pleased to hear you had a positive race experience and appreciated the course updates this year. We’re glad the tide-assisted swim worked well for you, even with the choppy conditions — and yes, a wetsuit was definitely the smart call on the day! It’s also great to know the changes to the bike dead zone and the accurate run distance hit the mark — both were areas we worked hard on improving from previous years. We really appreciate your comments on the organisation, comms, and team support — our crew and volunteers are the heart of the event, so we’ll be sure to pass that on. Your point about a pre-race briefing near the swim start is well made. While we did cover everything in the final instructions email, we know not everyone takes it all in ahead of time. We’ll absolutely look at integrating a quick on-site refresher next year to help reduce any last-minute confusion. Thanks again for racing with us — and for helping us make the Southend Triathlon better every year.
Very friendly and well organised event.
Marshalling along the bike course was noticeably improved this year, it was tip top!
Marshalling throughout the event was excellent
Thanks so much for your kind words , we’re really glad to hear the marshalling stood out for you this year, especially on the bike course. Our volunteers and course team put in a massive effort behind the scenes and on race day, and feedback like this means the world to them. We’ll be sure to pass your comments on. Thanks again for being part of the event and we hope to see you back next year!
love the fact that both my boys can compete in their hometown triathlon. Long may it continue..
I'm a retired (through injury, old age and being battered!) 20 year veteran of triathlon racing . Competed at many levels including IM etc.
Couple of points and i don't want to over criticise here at all, because I love the fact that both my sons who competed in todays event, can race in their local triathlon. So long may that continue..
But I felt that the bike OUT / bike IN caused some confusion with riders meeting together just outside transition or on the main road. Normally, a separate bike OUT and bike IN would prevent such. (as in previous years)
Furthermore, some riders were overshooting the bike IN as wasn't clear to stop - or urgently pulling the brakes to stop and turn in - which caused car users behind them to suddenly have to stop or slow without warning. Might want to review that for next time - including larger signage (BIKE IN etc)
The run OUT was also a little confusing as wasn't a clear direction which way to go from transition - along with mixing with bike OUT/IN riders leaving or returning to transition. Appreciate volunteers are always needed - and deploying such limited numbers always going to be a challenge - but certainly more were needed at that exit point for direction and safety (cars were also either turning in to the slip road or leaving the slip road adjacent to the beach huts - which added another layer of difficulty for runners as they exited transition) - might be worth seeing if council can close that slip road for the event going forward? (would certainly reduce any risk of collision)
Finally, a number of runners (the first ones in from the SPRINT) appear to have run only one lap before turning into finish straight.. some confusion with them that they felt they had run the distance or near had run the distance - and didn't need to to do another lap? Not sure why this was, maybe they were misdirected on the run route - cut a corner or something - its worth looking into that or the times they finished on .. I think some of the confusion was most likely competitors not reading the race briefing notes ... which is down to them ..
I want to thank all those that put the race on, its so great to see a triathlon in Southend - and i think it is a perfect location for such an event. I am more than happy to feedback further with anyone, support you or attend any debriefing . My boys thoroughly enjoyed it - was tough swim too today ! Thankyou again, Simon Ford (simonford@southend.gov.uk) M. 0778 961 7376
Hi Simon, Thank you for such a constructive and thoughtful message — it’s clear from your experience and insight that you’ve got a deep understanding of the sport, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to share it with us. We’re especially pleased to hear that your sons had a great race — that’s what it’s all about, and we’re committed to keeping a local triathlon alive and thriving for exactly that reason. You’ve raised some valid and helpful points around course layout and logistics: Bike In / Out flow: We completely agree that the crossover near transition wasn’t ideal. It was a compromise we made this year due to a combination of route access constraints and logistical limitations. That said, it’s something we’ve already flagged for redesign and your feedback reinforces its priority for 2026 — we’ll aim for fully separated entry/exit paths as seen in previous editions. Signage clarity and car interactions: We’ll be reviewing our signage size and placement at key points including the Bike In entrance and transition run exits. We’ve also taken note of the slip road issue and will be raising it in our post-race meeting with the council to explore possible closure options for next year. Safety and clarity are non-negotiables, and we’ll push for stronger measures. Run course confusion: A few athletes did indeed misinterpret the course layout, despite the signage, marshals, and the pre-race briefing explaining the two-lap format. We’ll look at how we can reinforce this visually and verbally even more clearly — including lap banners, course taping, and additional run marshals at the split point. You’ve struck the perfect tone in your feedback — pragmatic, solutions-focused, and genuinely supportive. If you’d be happy to lend a hand in any way, even just reviewing some ideas or attending a debrief, we’d absolutely welcome it. Events like this live or die by community involvement, and voices like yours help raise the bar. please contact me on info@rtcevents.co.uk - Thank you for taking the time to give us some great feedback Thanks again for being part of the day — and please pass on our congratulations to your lads for a strong race in some tough swim conditions! Jon Brown Race Director RTC Events
Lovely friendly local triathlon
Fabulous route on both bike and run, Sea swim this year was extremely choppy which made it challenging but enjoyable.
Was unsure on the choice of swim hat colour for the Standard distance, would have felt less vulnerable in a brighter colour!
Thanks for sharing your experience, we’re so glad you enjoyed the bike and run routes, and appreciated the challenge of that choppy sea swim! You’ve raised a really valid point about the swim hat colour feeling visible and safe in the water is critical, especially in tough conditions. We’ll definitely review our colour choices for next year with that in mind to help all athletes feel confident out there. Thanks again for taking part and for helping us keep improving year after year. Hope to see you back in 2026!
Great for all - Fun, Flat and Fast
Overall, well organised event. Great for all. Everyone was friendly and supported. Weather was reasonable and apart from the head wind for the swim, it was much better layout than last year.
Some confusion for people on the run to direct if they had more laps or the finish.
It was a great event.
Thank you for the great feedback, we’re really glad you enjoyed the event and noticed the improvements to the layout this year. It’s great to hear you felt supported and welcomed by the team on the day, that means a lot to us. Appreciate you flagging the confusion around the run laps vs finish — we’ve taken that on board and will look at clearer signage and briefing points next time to make it even smoother. Thanks again for being part of the day and we hope to see you back in 2026!
John at JBR did an amazing job ever since this event started this was the best run event we’ll done John and the team
Thank you so much for the lovely feedback, we’re thrilled to hear you had such a positive experience and that this year’s event stood out for you. John and the team at JBR have been an incredible driving force behind the Southend Triathlon from the beginning even before they were running it and it means a lot to see that recognised. The passion, time and energy that goes into making this happen is huge and it’s all worth it when we hear feedback like this. Hope to see you back next year for an even bigger and better event!
I preferred the new swimming route, felt this helped with the choppy waters
Thanks for your comments we’re really pleased to hear the new swim route worked better for you, especially given the choppier conditions on the day. We’re always looking to refine the athlete experience, so great to know the changes made a positive difference. Hope to see you back next year!
Excellent event, friendly and well organised
Could use additional Marshalls on the bike in/ out and 10k loop section. Spectated there for an hour and noticed many potential issues with inattentive car drivers that could cause a problem for cyclists. Seems to be a bit of a high risk area.
Thanks for taking the time to share your observations and especially for being out there as a competing athlete. We completely understand your concerns around the bike in/out and the 10K loop section. Safety is our top priority, and your feedback is really valuable in helping us identify areas to strengthen for future events. We’ll definitely review our marshal coverage and signage in those zones to ensure we mitigate any risks from local traffic as much as possible. Appreciate you being part of the day — and hope to welcome you back next year.
Absolutely loved my first sprint Tri!
Would recommend for beginners. Super friendly and helpful volunteer team. Would love to do it again!
Thanks so much for the great feedback! We’re thrilled to hear you found the event beginner-friendly that’s exactly what we aim for. Our volunteer team will be chuffed to hear your kind words, they really are the heart of the event. We’d love to have you back next year same great atmosphere, with a few new tweaks to make it even better!