FAQ and Contact
Got a question? Please read the below FAQ before emailing us.
Are wetsuits compulsory for this race?
In accordance with British Triathlon rules, wetsuits are compulsory when the temperature of the water is below 15.9 degrees Celsius. You can check the current temperature of the water here (however local water temperatures may be warmer and this will be tested 1 hour before the race starts). We strongly recommend all triathletes wear a wetsuit as it aids with buoyancy and protects against the elements.
Why can’t I defer my place? It seems unfair.
We understand that life can throw curveballs, and it’s never ideal to miss an event you’ve trained for. However, we do not offer deferrals to future events. This is clearly outlined in our Terms and Conditions, which all participants agree to during the registration process. Organising a triathlon involves significant upfront planning, fixed costs, and limited entry numbers. Allowing deferrals would compromise our ability to deliver a safe, high-quality event for everyone involved. To give participants flexibility, we offer Event Cancellation Insurance at the time of booking. This optional protection allows you to reclaim your entry fee in certain circumstances beyond your control — and is one of the reasons we don’t offer deferrals after booking is complete. That said, you may still have the option to transfer your entry or withdraw, depending on the timeframes and terms laid out in our entry conditions. Please refer to our Terms of Business for full details on how to proceed with these options.
Why hasn’t my friend/partner received their race information?
Every competitor must provide a unique email address as a condition of entry. If they do not provide an email address that is different from yours, they will receive no race information.
I haven’t heard anything further since I first signed up? / My friends have all received their race information but I haven’t?
We send out important updates, news, and race information in the months leading up to the race. It is vital you provide us with an accurate and correctly-spelled email address and add info@rtcevents.co.uk to your safe senders list so that you can receive these emails. It is up to you to make sure you check your spam folder and any unread messages you have in your inbox to make sure our emails haven’t got lost.
I missed out on a place. Is there a waiting list?
Yes. Southend Triathlon is a very popular event and we do sell out of places every year. If you missed out on a place, you can add your name to the waiting when it is available. We cannot guarantee you will get a place from the waiting list but you will be contacted if you do.
I missed out on a place. Can you squeeze me in on the day?
No. As a sell-out event, we do not offer on-the-day entries.
Can I use a tow-float?
No. In accordance with British Triathlon rules, flotation devices are not allowed.
The Rules
Please make sure you are familiar with the British Triathlon rules. For a quick guide to the main rules, please click the image below. Breaking any of their rules may result in a time penalty.
Where can I find triathlon training plans & cOACHING ADvice?
We are partnered with Run & Tri Coach you can select a package that suits you or contact the coaches afrom the website in the link provided CLICK HERE FOR INFO complete bespoke training plans to suit all abilities and advice for first-time triathletes.
Can I hire a wetsuit on the day?
No - Unfortuantely this is not available any more - please consider buying either a budget wetsuit that is flexible enough to swim in or a specialist wetsuit suitable for Triathlons / Swimming.
Local to Southend? A local supplier is Wet Suit Outlet https://www.wetsuitoutlet.co.uk
Do I need to wear a tri suit?
Wearing a tri suit is not compulsory. However there are many benefits to wearing a proper triathlon suit. All entrants will be sent a voucher to buy a Sundried Tri Suit at a discount price. If you have not received your discount code, please contact us. From Sundried you can buy a mens tri suit or a womens tri suit. Visit our kit page for more information.
Can I hire a road bike on the day?
No. Unfortunately this is not something we are able to offer at this time. However, you do not need a road bike to be able to take part. In 2018 we had over 200 first-time triathletes, many of whom were on mountain bikes.
I have concerns about swimming in the open water.
This is understandable! We recommend getting in touch with our partners Run & Tri Coach @ info@runandtricoach.com who provide expert swimming advice and can offer 1-2-1 swimming lessons and coaching for those who have a fear of water or who have never swum in open water before.
Can me and my friends compete as part of a relay team?
Yes. We have added in a Standard Distance relay this year, along with an Aquabike - which is swim - run
Is there a children's race?
No. This is not something we can offer at this time.
Can you recommend a triathlon coach?
Yes absolutely. Please visit our partners page to find information on our trusted partners and recommended local triathlon coaches and clubs.
Still got questions?
Email: info@rtcevents.com
Due to the exceptionally high volume of queries we receive from competitors on a daily basis, if your question is answered in the above FAQ, your email will go unanswered.