Bude Triathlon Route
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!
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Written Directions:
Start and Finish: Summerleaze Beach Car Park or anywhere close by.
Swim – 500m
Swim either one lap of Summerleaze Bay at high tide or 5 laps of the Bude Sea pool. The swim route during the Triathlon 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 up the sand and back into Summerleaze car park to transition onto their bikes.
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 5 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.
Cycle – 15 km
From Summerleaze Car Park cycle up the exit road and then around Bude town centre following the one-way system before arriving at the mini-roundabout next to the river. Turn right crossing Bencoolen Bridge and follow this coastal road all the way out of Bude, through Widemouth Bay until it joins the A39 at the Coppathorne Junction. Turn left here and head back towards Bude turning down into Bude at the Stratton roundabout. Follow this road back to the mini roundabout turning right along the Strand and follow the river as it takes you back Summerleaze Car Park
Run – 5 km
From the Car park once again run up the exit road and around the town’s one way system back to the mini roundabout. Turn right again but immediately left into the Crescent Car Park. Cross in front of the Tourist Information Centre and up onto the Bude Canal towpath.
Turn left and follow the canal as it heads inland. After a mile you’ll come to Rodds Bridge crossing the canal. Cross this bridge and follow narrow country roads that twist up through a small hamlet, 100m later looking out for a narrow road that turns off to your right. Follow this narrow road until it climbs up and joins the coast road opposite Lynstone Caravan Park. Turn right the run down the hill following the road until you get back to the mini roundabout. Turn left here and follow the river to your finish back in Summerleaze Car Park.