Big Cow Events was created by five triathletes from Milton Keynes in 2003. They shared the same desire and ambition: to organise events focussed around the experience of the competitor. The mission of Big Cow remains today, as then, to provide value for money events that are both fun and safe and can be enjoyed by athletes at all levels. In partnership with their sponsors, and with the support of countless enthusiastic marshals and volunteers, Big Cow have delivered their dream and continue to encourage newcomers and experienced racers alike to join the fastest growing sport in the country.

Born from a dream

Big Cow grew from need: the need to run a safer and more secure event smoothly. The Milton Keynes Triathlon had fast become a firm favorite of the serious triathlon age grouper as well as some of the UK’s finest elite athletes. The event had been run by Team Milton Keynes but the limited club resource could no longer cope safely with close to 1,000 competitors. A more professional approach would be required if the event should continue and grow.

Since its inception in 2003 Big Cow Events has successfully organised over 60 events, many now well established in the triathlon calendar, and some like the winter and summer duathlon series attracting surprisingly large numbers and some very competitive racing. The very first event was a duathlon run at the Milton Keynes Bowl on January 3rd 2004 where just 60 athletes braved the wintry conditions and completed a two mile run followed by a 10 mile bike and then a further two mile run. Winners that day were Dave Brown of Team Milton Keynes and Karin Winterbach.

Within the Big Cow Portfolio there are three fantastic events that stand out and are becoming more popular year on year.

The Milton Keynes TriFest

Our weekend of multisport is the first of these events and takes place annually on the first weekend of June. One of the feature events for the first day is an Aquathlon consisting of a 750m swim and 5km run, which this year will incorporate the British Aquathlon Championships. New for 2007 is a team sprint relay Aquathlon that should see some of the top clubs and teams in the UK battle it out for top honors. The summer sizzler 10km run completes the first day's activities but there is also an open water swim challenge which will be free to enter this year with donations going to our official charity, the Spinal Injuries Association.

Day two sees an open water sprint triathlon which incorporates a very fast but scenic bike route meandering through a number of the local villages surrounding Emberton Country Park, the headquarters for TriFest. For those looking for the ultimate sporting test there is the SuperFit challenge, which is ideal for those wanting to maximize their training and racing over the weekend. The challenge involves competing in all four events over the two days. So, that’s 2,500 meters of open water swimming, 20km cycling and just 20km of running ... not for the faint hearted!

Trade stands, massage tent, a sports bar, refreshments, and camping is available throughout the weekend. Ultimately Big Cow envisage incorporating other sports activities throughout the whole Milton Keynes area into the TriFest weekend.

Cowman for the long distance athlete

The next headline event in the Big Cow calendar is the Cowman, a middle distance event which has now been positioned six to seven weeks before the UK Ironman so providing an ideal test before the longer event. The run section of the Cowman has been described as one of the best in the country as it utilises a mixture of terrains. In 2006 the event was an epic and whilst there was some great racing for the top positions, there were a notable number of competitors taking on the distance for the first time. All rose to the occasion and, often through sheer determination and support from the crowds and Big Cow crew, went the distance making for a truly memorable day.

The Cowman looks like it will be bigger than ever with entries up around 60% from the same time last year. There will also be a sprint event held on the same day aimed at beginners.

Where it all started

The third premium event in the Big Cow portfolio is the Milton Keynes Triathlon which is held over the classic Standard distance. This event is a must for everyone and consistently produces some of the fastest times in the country, year on year. Big Cow have managed to combine the big race feel with the friendliness and fun of a club organised event. The atmosphere is laid back and the compact nature of the transition and finish area really does capture what triathlon is all about; fun, excitement, determination, pain, pressure, discipline, focus, courage, and dedication. Simply being there allows spectators and competitors alike to experience every emotion.

Our events for 2007

You can find all the Big Cow races listed in the Events section -- just type in Big Cow into the search field -- but here's a summary: