Welcome to the Willesden Spring Aquathlon!
If this is your first aquathlon or even your first race, you are in the right place.
This event is designed to be welcoming and beginner-friendly, with a supportive atmosphere throughout.
You do not need to be fast or experienced. You just need to be ready to give it a go and enjoy the experience.
Event Basics (Quick Overview)
• Venue: Willesden Sports Centre and King Edward VII Park
• Swim: 400m in a 25m indoor pool
• Run: 5km (park laps and track finish)
• Registration: 8:15 – 8:45
• Mandatory race briefing: 8:45
• Race start: 09:00
Who is this event for?
This event is ideal for:
– First-time racers
– New triathletes or aquathletes
– Anyone looking for a friendly local race
Many participants will be beginners, so you will not be alone.
What will happen on the day?
• Arrival and Registration (8:15–8:45)
Registration and transition will be set up in King Edward VII Park behind the sports centre. When you arrive, check in at registration, collect your race number, and ask any questions if needed. Please arrive early to allow plenty of time to get settled.
• Transition Area
After registration, you will be directed to the transition area which will be in the park and clearly marked and cordoned off. This is where you leave your running gear while you swim: – Running shoes.
– Towel.
– Race number. You can use a race belt if you have one. If not, we will provide safety pins. Attach your race number on a t-shirt and leave it in transition for you to wear during the run. The race number should be attached at the front.
– Any extra clothes you want to wear for the run (socks, t-shirt, shorts…)
Set up your transition area but keep some warm clothes on, you will be able to access it again quickly before the race starts. For any other items (clean clothes for after the race, bags, car keys etc.) you will have access to the lockers in the sports center that work with a £1 coin (refundable).
• Mandatory Race Briefing (8:45)
The race briefing will take place next to the registration area. This will cover the swim waves, course layout, safety information, and transition flow.
• The swim (400m Indoor Pool)
The swim will take place in the indoor pool at Willesden Sports Centre. You can wear either a swimsuit, a tri suit or whatever piece of clothing you normally swim in. Googles are recommended, swim caps will be provided.
The participants will be divided into 3 or 4 waves of up to 12 people. You will be told your wave at registration, and a marshal will call each wave in turn.
In the pool, there will be two swimmers per lane, each swimmer will go up and down one side of the lane. This creates a calm and controlled environment, ideal for beginners. You can swim at your own pace, use any stroke including breaststroke, and rest at the wall if needed. Lifeguards and marshals will be present at all times.
Please count your lengths (400m = 16 lengths). The pool is very shallow on the starting side, diving is absolutely forbidden.
• Transition: Swim to Run
After finishing the swim, you will exit the pool and head back to the transition area in the park through the pool side gate (directly onto the park). Please move carefully and do not run in indoor pool areas.
Once in transition:
1. Dry yourself if needed
2. Put on any extra clothes you may want to wear in the run. There won’t be a changing area in transition, so it is better to plan adding clothes but not removing them. If you need a sports bra for running, it is advisable to wear it already for the swim, under your swimsuit or your trisuit.
3. Put on socks and running shoes
4. Put on your race number facing the front
5. Follow the Run Out signs and marshal indications
• The run (5km)
The run consists of four laps counterclockwise around King Edward VII Park and one final lap on the running track at the sports center.
The course will be clearly marked and well marshalled with volunteers positioned around the route. The park will remain open to the public, so please be courteous to pedestrians and follow marshal instructions.
• The finish
Cross the finish line on the Willesden sports center track, enjoy the feeling of accomplishment, get your medal and have some of our amazing home-baked cakes to refuel!
Safety and Support
Your safety is a priority. The event is fully marshaled, has first aid provision and clear signage. The small wave format helps reduce crowding and creates a safer, more relaxed experience.
What to Bring (Checklist)
Essentials:
– Swimwear or trisuit
– Running clothes to put over your swimwear
– Goggles
– Towel
– Socks
– Running shoes
Optional:
– £1 coin for lockers
– Change of clothes for after the race
– Warm clothes depending on the weather
Frequently asked questions
What if I am slow?
That is completely fine, there is no cut off time for the race!
Where can I leave my belongings during the race?
There are lockers in the sports center that take £1 coins (refundable)
What if I do not know where to go?
There will be clear signage, a race briefing, and marshals guiding you throughout the course.
Will it be crowded?
No. Participants are split into small waves to keep the course calm and spacious.
Do I need to be competitive?
Not at all. This is a friendly community event suitable for all levels, especially beginners.
Are there showers on site?
There are showers in the sports center that you can access after the race, you will not have access to showers nor changing rooms between the swim and the run.
Do I need a wetsuit?
No, the swimming pool is heated
Can my friends and family come and support me?
Absolutely! Everyone is welcome to cheer and encourage. Although, non-participants won’t be allowed into transition and can’t provide physical help during the race.
Will I get a time for swimming and running?
To keep pricing affordable for most, we do not have automatic chip timing at our events, but our marshals will record your times manually and these will be available in the evening of the event.
Can I get changed after swimming?
There won’t be a changing area in transition, so it is better to plan adding clothes but not removing them. If you need a sports bra for running, it is advisable to wear it already for the swim, under your swimsuit or your trisuit.
What facilities are available at the venue?
Facilities at the venue include changing rooms, toilets, lockers and a café.