Search
shop

Talking Pop-Up City Tri with Castle Triathlon Series founder Brian Adcock

Since its launch in 2009, the Castle Triathlon Series has become one of the premiere brands in UK Triathlon. We spoke to the founder, Brian Adcock
Chief Correspondent
Last updated -

Industry chat with Brian Adcock – Castle Triathlon Series founder

From one race at Hever Castle in 2009, the Castle Triathlon Series (www.castletriathlonseries.co.uk), has developed into one of the biggest names in the UK Triathlon events market, with several races all over the country – and now in Ireland and France too.

Last week they hosted the second Pop-Up City Triathlon in the financial district of Canary Wharf (full report below), and we took a visit to check out the action – and also to catch-up with founder, Brian Adcock, to talk about that event, the growth development of the Castle Series and the state of the events industry generally.

We also found out that we may well be seeing a new event in Scotland in 2018… watch and listen to the interview for more details on that one.


Hundreds of city workers sweated it out as they competed against banking rivals in Montgomery Square, Canary Wharf last week (24-27 April) in a staged event, which included 10 tonnes of water in an endless pool. The ‘Pop-Up City Triathlon is organised by Castle Triathlon Series in partnership with Novotel London Canary Wharf, Macmillan Cancer Support and KPMG, creating a huge triathlon buzz with corporates.

Pop-Up City Triathlon

Lets Do This, the endurance sports listings website, took the winning slot on the competitive leader board covering an impressive distance of 4595m as their team swam for three minutes in an endless pool, cycled for four minutes on a cycle ergometer and ran for three minutes on a treadmill.

The event saw the top three teams battle for the winning spot in a Grand Final that was exceptionally close. See the full results here.

"Let's Do This" - Pop-Up City Triathlon winners 2017
“Let’s Do This” – Pop-Up City Triathlon winners 2017

There was an impressive selection of teams taking part in the event including last year’s winner Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, Lloyds, Barclays and many more. The teams were made up of three individuals, competing in one discipline each and representing the same company.

Nick Tyler, who led the team from Adelphi Capital (asset investment managers) to third place, said Adelphi Capital were delighted to enter a team into this year’s Pop Up City Triathlon and to beat some very large City organisations to finish third in the Grand Final.  We are very proud of our team of Gemma Hearn, Emmanuel Renard and Doug Bendle and will definitely be back next year.”

Lets Do This received a winning trophy, a £1,000 charity gift which they have donated to Macmillan Cancer Support, and each team member will also receive many more prizes including free races, massage, training plans and kit.

Three highest recorded distances:

  • Lara Nyman from Credit Suisse covered 258m in 3 minutes in the endless swimming pool
  • Doug Bendle from Adelphi Capital had the winning distance on the bike covering with 3.7km
  • Sam Browne from Lets Do This ran the winning distance of 900m in 3 mins
Pop-Up City Triathlon and Brian Adcock from Castle Triathlon Series
Pop-Up City Triathlon and Brian Adcock from Castle Triathlon Series

Race Director, Brian Adcock comments: “The event was hailed a huge success from all those taking part, spectators and partners. We successfully transported triathlon to the door-step of the corporates offices and celebrated the sport.”

The Castle Triathlon Series offer the opportunity for companies to have their own bespoke wave at their six-triathlon festivals hosted at iconic castles and stunning grounds. They also offer a hospitality tent with delectable food and drink for company members for both pre- and post-race refreshment. This year will see BBC Worldwide and the Big Four Accountancy Firms embracing the Hever Castle Triathlon for a corporate triathlon event.

John Levison
Written by
John Levison
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.
Discover more
TRI247 podcast p/b Challenge Family episode 2
Go behind the scenes at Challenge Roth with the latest episode of the TRI247 podcast
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Challenge Family Roth
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
latest News
ironman hamburg 2025 podium laura philipp kat matthews solveig lovseth beer
Challenge Roth 2025: Laura Philipp backed to make triathlon history by crashing through magical time barrier
Challenge Roth press conference 2025
Challenge Roth 2025: Date, start times, how to watch live and who’s racing
Georgia Taylor Brown wins supertri Toulouse 2024
British Olympic legend Georgia Taylor-Brown to make triathlon return
Gwen Jorgensen reflective World Triathlon Cup Vina del Mer 2023
‘Unbreakable’ Gwen Jorgensen ‘bruised’ after bike crash but vows to bounce back
IRONMAN CEO Scott DeRue Women For Tri 2024
IRONMAN announce new age-group qualification system for Kona and 70.3 Worlds
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...