27th April 2025
Hosted by OxfordTri in partnership with British Triathlon, we are delighted to bring you the Ox Aquathlon. This community run event is suitable for both seasoned athletes and beginners, and our friendly and inclusive environment will make it a memorable day for all involved.
Based at Leys Pools and Leisure Centre, against the backdrop of one of Oxfords picturesque local parks. The venue is perfect for both athletes and spectators with viewing opportunities for both the swim and the run.
Prizes will be awarded for winners in the Juniors (TriStart, TriStar 1,2,3 and Youth) & seniors (17+) finishers. As well as the top male/open and female vets in the 40+, 50+, and 60+ categories. We’ll also have some fun prizes on the day!
Registration opens at 11am, with racing starting at 12 noon.
We are delighted to offer 10% off our Sprint Race for Students and those in occupations eligible for a Bluelight Card. For those eligible please email, proof to events@oxfordtri.co.uk to received your discount code.
Here’s some reasons why you won’t want to miss it:
Join the fun: Dive into a pool swim followed by a scenic run through Leys park. Distances vary by age group, so everyone can compete at their own pace.
Test your skills: Feel the thrill of competition and challenge yourself to push your limits. Whether you’re aiming for a podium finish or simply want to beat your personal best, we’re here to cheer you on!
Make new friends: Meet athletes both young and older… who share your passion for sport. This is a chance to build friendships, share tips, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Take the first step: This event is the perfect gateway to the world of multi-sports events/triathlon. Gain valuable experience and discover your potential in this exciting sport. You’ll also receive a comprehensive race briefing to ensure you’re prepared for the big day.
Our Event Partners
We still have a number of opportunities for businesses and organisations to be involved in supporting this amazing event. If you are interested in supporting The Ox Aquathlon please contact publicity@oxfordtri.co.uk
Race Options
Junior NEW FOR 2025!
TriStar Start (8yo) – 50m Pool Swim + 0.6km Run
TriStar 1 (9yo-10yo) – 150m Pool Swim + 1.2km Run
TriStar 2 (11yo-12yo) – 200m Pool Swim + 1.8km Run
TriStar 3 (13yo-14yo) – 300m Pool Swim + 2.2km Run
Youth (15yo-16yo) – 400m Pool Swim + 3.2km Run
www.britishtriathlon.org/get-involved/juniors/tristar/become-a-triathlete
(Ages shall be determined as at 31st December in the current year)
Adult
Super Sprint Aquathlon (Novice) – 200m Pool Swim + 3.2km Run
Sprint Aquathlon – 400m Pool Swim + 5km Run
Race Routes
Swim
The first leg in the Ox Aquathlon is 400 meters of fun in the pool! This year’s event will be a snake swim format.
Snake swim is a format where swimmers all enter the pool from the same lane/start with 15 seconds space between each athlete. Athletes swim the length of the lane, turn at the wall and then swim back down the same lane on the other side – completing a full lap (50 meters). With the first lap complete, racers then swim under the lane line, entering the next lane and proceed in the same manner as they did in lap one. They will continue snaking up and down the lanes until completing their specified distance.
Run
Once you’ve completed the swim, it is time to head out into Leys Park to take on the run. This lap-based course winds through the scenic park, offering a mix of gravel paths and open grass stretches. Do check out the small, medium and large lap routes below.
The Ox Aquathlon is a British Triathlon permitted event, which means that;
- The event has the appropriate insurances in place.
- The organiser is taking appropriate measures to ensure your safety.
- The event is run in accordance with British Triathlon Competition Rules.
- The organiser is committed to supporting the wider development of the sport.
- If you have a problem at a permitted event, British Triathlon will endeavour to help you reach a satisfactory conclusion with the organiser.
Most importantly however, this means that you can be sure of a safe, fair and enjoyable race experience for all.
Event FAQs
What is the event address?
Leys Pools and Leisure Centre, Pegasus Rd, Oxford, OX4 6JL
When should I arrive?
Arrive at least one hour before your start time. This will give you enough time to register, set up your gear in transition, change, and be poolside 10 minutes before your start time. If you miss any of these steps, you may not be able to race.
Here is a suggested schedule for your arrival on race day:
● 60 minutes before start time: Arrive at the race venue and register.
● 45 minutes before start time: Set up your gear in transition.
● 30 minutes before start time: Change into your swim gear.
● 10 minutes before start time: Be poolside.
Please note that these are just suggestions, and you may need more or less time depending on your individual needs. It is always better to arrive early than to risk being late.
Where can I park?
There are a number of areas including the venue and close to it where you can park for free*. We would ask where possible that you car share to minimise congestion and our events impact on the environment. Please see below a list of places where we would encourage you to park.
- Leys Pools and Leisure Centre – OX4 6JL (Free for 3 hrs)
- Leys Park Parking – OX4 6JP
- Dunnock Way (Infront of Windale Primary School, Behind Spar and Gravel Carpark at Health centre) – OX4 7EX
- Field Avenue, Crowberry Road and Harebell Road -OX4 6PB
We would ask that athletes and spectators do not park on Pegasus Road and Cuddesdon Way. These are both busy roads with bus routes and run alongside parts of the run course. Parking there will impact experience of those taking part in the event.
What are the rules?
Good question! Our race is permitted by British Triathlon, each of our races will follow British Triathlon competition rules.
You can review the competition rules here in full
Before the race, you’ll receive a full race brief that breaks down the rules for you to be aware of. On race day our officials and volunteers will be on hand to help with any questions.
What do I wear?
You don’t need to go out and buy a bunch of specialised gear for your first aquathlon. You can get away with wearing a swimsuit, a T-shirt, and shorts for the swim and run. However, if you want to be more comfortable and efficient, you can invest in a tri suit or tri shorts. These garments are designed to be worn for all three stages of a triathlon, and they will help to keep you cool, dry, and chafe-free.
You will also need a pair of goggles for the swim. On the run, you will need to display your race number. A race belt is a great way to do this, however safety pins or old shoe laces/string can work as a one off .
Here is a checklist of the essential gear you will need for your first aquathlon:
● Swimsuit
● T-shirt
● Shorts
● Goggles
● Race belt/ Safety pins/ Shoe laces/ String
● Running shoes
You can also add other items to your gear list as needed, such as sunglasses, a hat, a towel, or a change of clothes. But this is the bare minimum you will need to get started.
Can I get changed before and after the event?
Yes, there are poolside changing facilities within the Leys Pools and Leisure Centre. There are also lockable lockers which require a small personal padlock in order to use.
What if I can’t compete?
REFUNDS: Refunds will be processed minus online entry processing fees and administration fees. No refunds are available within 30 days of race day.
CANCELLATION: In the event of cancellation, we will offer you a full refund, or transfer to the re-scheduled race. However we are a non-profit working to make the sport accessible as many athletes as possible, and so we will kindly ask that you forfeit the booking fee if you do not wish to take part in the re-scheduled race.
How do I know what swim time to put down?
We need to know your swimming speed so you can be placed in the correct order to start your swim with those of similar ability. If you’re not sure, it’s better to underestimate your speed. You can go to a local 25-metre pool and time yourself swimming four lengths at a comfortable pace. This will give you your 100-metre time. Then multiply that time by 4. You can change your time after registering until about a month before the event if you’re still not sure.
Do I have to swim front crawl?
Not at all. Many people swim breaststroke. However, for safety reasons, you won’t be allowed to swim backstroke with many people using the same lanes.
A full race brief will be given on the day and our poolside team will be on hand to help.
If you have any questions about the event please don’t hesitate to email events@oxfordtri.co.uk