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 14 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.
You have plenty of time to request to defer your entry to the following year. The cut-off for all deferrals and transfers of entry is 5 weeks before the event date. This is part of our Terms and Conditions which you read and understood before agreeing to when you signed up. Organising a triathlon is a logistically complicated process and it is impossible to process competitor changes after this cut-off date.
Can I change my wave?
There is ample opportunity to update your personal details, including your estimated swim time, before the event. After the waves have been allocated, it is impossible to move you. You are asked upon sign-up if there is anyone you’d like to be in the same wave as. You must have the same estimated swim time to be put in the same wave and you must specify as soon as you sign up. If you discover your actual estimated swim time is different to what you originally specified, you must alert the event organisers before the waves are allocated.
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 office@southendtri.com 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?
We have a fully comprehensive beginner's triathlon guide available complete with training plans 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 Gone For A Swim https://goneforaswim.co.uk/ 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?
No. This is not something we can offer at this time.
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: office@southendtri.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.