Extreme trails

Since 2002, the Awesome Foursome Quadrathlon has been an adrenaline-packed multi-sport race held every September, welcoming individuals, pairs, and relay teams. This challenging event has become a staple in both the British and European Quadrathlon calendars, often serving as a World Cup ranking event or hosting the European Short Course Championships.

Designed to showcase the unique geography of Bude, the race pushes athletes to their limits. It kicks off with an open water swim sheltered by Bude’s iconic breakwater. The cycling leg takes riders along breathtaking coastal hills, including the notorious 1-in-3 incline at Millook. Next, competitors navigate the serene waters of the Bude Canal for the kayaking portion. Finally, the race concludes with a scenic run along the canal towpath, merging onto the coastal path before returning to Bude.

With the fastest competitors completing the course in around 3 hours and most finishing within 4 hours, the Awesome Foursome is a true test of endurance, skill, and determination.

Shoreline Triathlon

Since 1991, the Shoreline Triathlon has been a sporting highlight of late June/early July in Bude, starting from the stunning Summerleaze Beach. The event draws a diverse range of competitors, from first-time triathletes and beginners to seasoned national team athletes, making it a favourite for all skill levels.

Inspired by Bude’s natural beauty, we designed a course that perfectly showcases the local landscape. The open water swim takes place in the sheltered, high-tide bay at Summerleaze Beach, protected by the breakwater from the Atlantic swell. The cycling route is both fast and challenging, following the coast road from Bude towards Widemouth Bay, then looping back via the scenic A39. The run weaves through Bude’s charming town, along the canal towpath, and finishes with a dramatic return via Lynstone Road, culminating in a grand finale along the Strand and up Summerleaze Car Park.

What sets the Shoreline Triathlon apart is its welcoming atmosphere, unique commentator, and attention to detail. Participants enjoy great event T-shirts, medals for all finishers, and a variety of competition categories. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or new to the sport, it’s an event that keeps competitors coming back year after year.

With the fastest athletes completing the course in around an hour, and all participants finishing within two hours, it’s a thrilling and achievable challenge for everyone!

The coastal roads between Bude and Boscastle boast some of the most dramatic scenery in the UK, with steep climbs and plunging descents. With gradients reaching up to 30%, these roads are a true test for even the most seasoned cyclists. For those living in North Cornwall, this route has long been the ultimate proving ground.

For years, we’ve dreamed of creating a cycling event on this challenging terrain. However, the steep, narrow descents made it difficult to organize. The solution? Focus on the climbs. Our event is a series of timed hill climbs, offering cyclists the chance to push themselves to their limits on the toughest uphill sections.

The route starts in Bude and follows the coastal road to Widemouth Bay. From there, cyclists continue to Widemouth Manor before taking a sharp right onto the narrow coastal road through Wanson, leading to the notorious Millook with its daunting 30% gradients. The journey continues down to Crackington Haven, passing pubs and cafés before tackling the ascent to High Cliff. This exhilarating road leads to the Boscastle road, where you’ll turn around and make your way back to Bude, following almost the same route—except for bypassing the High Cliff road on the return to Crackington Haven.

The challenge is simple: ride continuously without deviations, stop only for the timekeepers, and aim to be the fastest overall climber across the entire course.