Bude Quadrathlon Route
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.
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Written Directions:
The Quadrathlon Challenge – Swim – Cycle – Kayak – Run
Start and Finish: The Crescent Car or anywhere along the canal in the Lower Wharf area.
Swim – 800m – Two laps of Summerleaze Bay at High Tide or 8 laps of Bude Sea Pool
Start with either two laps of Summerleaze Bay at high tide or 8 laps of the Bude Sea pool. The swim route during the Quadrathlon race starts at high tide in front of the Sea Locks and goes out towards the end of the Breakwater swimming through the moored-up fishing boats. Once in line with the square post at Tommy’s Pit (clearly seen on the breakwater) swimmers then turn and head back to the middle of the beach, running around a marker flag and back to the Sea Lock area to complete a second lap. At the end of the second lap the swimmers run across Iron Bridge, then over the sea locks and down the grassy bank towards the Falcon hotel where they have left their bike, kayak and running gear on the grass bank next to the canal itself.
If you’re on your own, it might be better to swim in the sea pool in which case the distance is roughly the same as 8 laps. If you do decide to swim in the sea check condition with a Lifeguard and be aware of fishing boats on the move, it would be best to have a swim buoy attached to you for visibility and safety.
Kayak – 10 km
You can start anywhere along the side of the canal but somewhere near the Crescent Car Park, The Lower Wharf or on the grassy bank in front of the Falcon Hotel would be best. You are going to paddle two- and a-bit laps of the lower section of the Bude canal between the Sea Locks and the lock gates at Rodds Bridge. Start by paddling to the Sea Locks then turn and head for just over a mile to Rodds Bridge lock gates where the canal is narrower and your turn will be more difficult. Then back to the Sea Locks and for a final time back to Rodds Bridge lock gates. Your final section is back to the Sea Locks and then return to where ever you started. Any craft can be used for this section including kayaks, canoes, ski’s and SUP’s.
Cycle – 30 km – Very Hilly Coastal Road and return along the A39
From the canal side get to the Falcon Bridge and follow the coastal road all the way out of Bude and through Widemouth Bay. A steep climb leads to the Widemouth Manor where a right turn takes you onto a narrow country road that continues to follow the coast.
This narrow road is steep and needs to be ridden carefully, there are two big climbs along this section before you turn left and left again to get back on the A39 at Wainhouse Corner.
Follow the A39 back to Bude taking the Kings Hill turn off. Follow King’s Hill down to Bude, then onto Bencoolen Road and the mini- roundabout next to the river. Cross the river and back to where you started your cycle.
You can use any sort of bike or ebike for this section but be slow on the descents and be bright on the A39. Always wear a helmet.
Run – 10 km
Follow the canal towpath inland, changing sides at Rodds Bridge and continue along the towpath until you get close to the A39. Just before you arrive at the main road you can turn right through a small car park and onto a concrete drive before picking up a public footpath across the field towards Widemouth Bay. Don’t go too far along the concrete drive as you’ll end up in a holiday complex!
Follow the footpath through the fields until you arrive at Widemouth bay then pick up the Coastal Footpath back towards Bude, you’ll come off the Coastal Path at Upton and follow the roadside pavement all the way downhill back to Bude and your finish at the Bude canal wear you started your run.