255 Triathlon Launches Relay Format

• Brand new relay format added to the 255 Triathlon weekend
• Teams of either two, three or four can complete the 255km distance
• The inaugural event will take place at the historic Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit on Sunday 8^th August 2021

TriBourne Multisport Events, organisers of the award-winning Eastbourne Triathlon, have announced the addition of a relay format to the inaugural 255 Triathlon this August, the brand-new ultra-distance triathlon which launched last month. 

The 255 Triathlon consists of a 5km swim, 200km bike and 50km run, and is the longest single-day triathlon in the world. The introduction of relay options of either two, three or four athletes means you can now tackle the challenge either as a team or individually. Unlike a traditional triathlon relay format, teams can decide how they divide the event up between themselves with only two conditions; competitors can only exchange in the designated changeover area at the end of a lap, and when on the bike leg you must complete a minimum of 10 laps between changeovers. With countless options, team tactics will play an important and exciting part in this unique triathlon experience.

Some examples of how the teams could undertake the challenge can be found here. 

The inaugural 255 Triathlon will take place in the UK this summer at Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit, West Sussex. The first edition of the race is limited to 300 competitors, swimming in the nearby Westhampnett Lake before making their way onto the historic motor racing circuit. After completing 52 traffic-free laps on the bike, athletes will head out onto the run for 10 laps of the circuit’s perimeter. Competitors tackling this ultra-endurance event will have up to 18 hours to complete the distance.

This closed road, multi-lap format will offer a unique race experience for both participants and spectators. The pit lane will provide the focal point of the event with spectators able to support athletes continuously throughout the day. With music, commentary, live lap timing and leaderboards, this will provide a race experience like no other. 

Race Director, Matthew Dowle, said “After launching 255 Triathlon at the end of last year, we sat down and discussed how we could open the event up to a wide range of athletes of all abilities and including both long and short-course athletes. We have devised a unique new relay format which will not only make the event more accessible but will also create an amazing atmosphere of team spirit at Goodwood on race day. This new relay format will allow long-course and short-course athletes to come together to form teams with each team creating their own unique race format. We’re very excited to see how teams decide to tackle the event and the tactics used to complete the 255km course in the fastest possible times.

After a difficult year we can’t wait to see things getting back to normal this summer and it will be amazing to see clubs, teammates and friends coming together for a full day of exciting relay racing and team camaraderie. Of course, if any of our events are postponed due to COVID-19 we pledge to always do the best by our athletes. We’ll keep your money safe and make sure you get to race on a rescheduled date.’’

Registration is now open, but places are filling up fast. To guarantee your entry in this historic event head over to 255triathlon.com and secure your spot.