Round Up 1st – 31st July 2026
This is a truly inspirational round up with brilliant performances in a wide range of multi-sport events. Congratulations and thank you to all our contributors and to everyone else who raced in July!
Heatwave Aquathlon – Sunday 5th July 2026 – Littlehampton
Many thanks to Fraser Kidd for providing the following write up of the first ever Tuff Fitty HeatWave event:
Tuff Fitty Triathlon Club’s inaugural HeatWave Aquathlon took place on Sunday 5th July at Littlehampton Wave, with competitors enjoying a fantastic morning of racing in the club’s new summer event. The race programme featured the flagship HeatWave Aquathlon (800m swim and 10km run) alongside the shorter MicroWave Aquathlon (400m swim and 5km run), providing opportunities for athletes of all abilities.
Around 20 Tuff Fitty members took part across the two events, helping create a brilliant atmosphere at The Wave and along the seafront run course. I was delighted to take the overall victory in the HeatWave event, crossing the line in 51:49 after a 11:58 swim and 38:33 run. The race started with an 800m pool swim before athletes headed out onto the fast and flat 10km course through Mewsbrook Park and along Littlehampton’s seafront promenade.
There was further success for Tuff Fitty as Abi Clark produced an excellent performance to claim the women’s title, finishing just over a minute behind the overall winner and fourth athlete across the line.
The results were particularly pleasing for those of us who regularly train together at Littlehampton Wave. Abi and I are part of a dedicated training group that includes Tuff Fitty’s Clive Doughty, Karl Halom, Katie Yates-Hill, James Hodge, Isis Solato, Anthony Towers and Amy Kidd. Having training partners pushing each other week after week has made a real difference to everyone’s progress and performances.
The success of both the HeatWave and MicroWave events, combined with strong support from Tuff Fitty members and volunteers, made for a fantastic first year. Hopefully, the inaugural event is the start of a new summer tradition on the Sussex triathlon calendar.
Goodwood Duathlon Sprint – Sunday 5th July 2026
On a busy day for Tuffs, Paul Edmonds was further inland at Goodwood and sent in this report:
Another great step in my multisport journey, taking on the Goodwood Sprint Duathlon in some hot conditions, with temperatures hitting 26°C on the track. Aside from the Arundel Triathlon, this was only my second ever multisport event.
Started strongly with the opening 4km run in 17:07, before settling into a solid rhythm on the bike and completing the five laps in 38:09. The final run was tough in the heat, but I managed to maintain a consistent pace to finish the last leg in 19:52.
Really pleased to cross the line 17th overall. Plenty to learn, but pleased with my progress and building more experience in multisport racing.
Dorney Lake Sprint Triathlon – Saturday 11th July 2026
Many thanks and congratulations to Bob Rogers on defending his titles:
Just a note to report that, despite knees not being entirely back to normal, I was able to successfully defend my British & English Age Group Sprint Triathlon titles last month at Dorney. As I arrived, I met Adrian & Jenny Oliver, who were also competing there, with, for me, the bad news, for me, that wet suits were banned due to high water temperature. Anyway, after a slow swim, I completed the 20km bike section in 40 minutes and the 5km run in just under 31 minutes. As a result, I have pre-qualified for next year’s European’s (Kitzbuhl) and World’s (Hamburg). Meanwhile it’s back to training for next month’s World’s in Pontevedra, Spain.
European Sprint Duathlon Championships, Banyoles, France – Saturday 11th July 2026
Many thanks to Paul Barnard for reporting in on the European Sprint Duathlon Championships and huge congratulations to both him and Noah. Here are Paul’s thoughts:
Noah and I were in Banyoles recently for the European Sprint Duathlon Championships, here’s my report …
I’ve purposely waited a while to try and make sense of my thoughts following a top weekend away racing the European Sprint Duathlon Championships in Banyoles.
Having had some time to reflect, my overall emotions crossing the line are still valid, 14th out of 30 in my age group was a really solid hit out at my first race of this level. I was also, only 30 seconds off 8th place showing how a few tweaks might get me even higher if I can learn some lessons from this.
Run 1 – 5k – a large group of about 60 athletes from 40-44 and 45-49 all mixed together lined up with the nerves palpable as the famous heart beats were blaring on the PA system with 10 seconds to go, followed by 3 long seconds of silence and then the horn sounded to get us underway.
I went out super hard because I’m not constantly glancing at the watch looking for a time, I’m here to race it, to test my mettle with no limiting beliefs of what I can/can’t do.
3:13 first K set the tone, I went with it and gave it my all in hope of making it into a good bike group. The 2nd half of the run was rough, I got found out as the heat got to me and the pace fell away and I lost contact with the front a little. 18:43 in the end, not a disaster by any stretch but about 40 seconds short of my PB and 2 seconds quicker than ChatGPT reckoned given the course and conditions: I came in 10th into T1 in my age group.
Bike – having done a course recce the day before with my dad and Noah, I was excited by the course for the bike, a short/steep climb out of town, a bit of a longer drag shortly after and then a steady 3% up to the turn which went on for 5k or so. Back down the other way was quick and then some technical bits round roundabouts and sharper turns before finishing round the lake back into T2. This was a bit of me.
My tactics that I shared with my ride companions were to go as hard as I could on the bike because I thought I could leapfrog a fair few riders and I did: I came out of T1 in a small group of 4 and I could see a group of a about 10 riders (a mix of various age groups) about 15 seconds ahead, which after a few turns with one other, I got across to on the short kicker. I recovered a bit for a couple of minutes on the flatter bit and as we hit the longer straight section, I could see a large group some way in the distance.
I tried to organise the group I was in, but quickly realised that most of them were on their limit. The same 3 or 4 swapped turns with me and we seemed to be closing the gap well. As we approached the turn point, a fellow rider told me he was feeling good and would help with the chase, so we smashed it out of the turn and swapped turns until we got across. Then we hit the technical bits and it was a chance to save some energy with only the fast run-in round the lake approaching T2. I came in about 4th or 5th over the transition line in a group of maybe 30, but interestingly still 10th in my age group, 3rd best bike split of the 40-44 bracket but plenty of fast guys still ahead.
Run 2 – survival, ran hard and went past a few people but then lost some places in the last km or so as the effort and the heat caught up with me. Relieved to get to the line, I ended up 14th in my age group and going just under the hour on a slow, technical run course and a bike course that wasn’t flat was pleasing.
Draft legal racing is just so much more fun than being on your own in standard races and the whole trip with my Dad and Noah was just incredible in a really beautiful location, set in the shadows of the Pyrenees. I am keen to do more in the future!
A fantastic 7th for Noah too was a proud coaching moment for me especially as he went 7 minutes quicker than last year on a much harder course – just the start for this young man!
Castle to Coast – Saturday 18th July 2026 – Dorney Lake to Brighton
Thanks so much to Pete Littleboy for sending in the following report of this year’s Castle to Coast triathlon:
I signed up to this event as it was billed as an event and not a race also a point to point triathlon and on a Saturday finishing in Brighton from London which seemed like a bit of me and honestly it was the most relaxed triathlon/event I’ve ever done but DON’T get relaxed mixed up with easy, because with 5k of elevation it’s TUFF .. so starting at Dorney lake at a relaxed 8/8.30 with a rolling start when you are ready it’s a 2k swim and wetsuits where optional with full kit changes if desired in T1.
Then it’s a 67-mile bike ride to Hassocks which is very well sign posted. You are also sent a GPX file if you require it. However, it’s NOT closed roads and you are cycling through London & Surrey hills etc. on a Saturday morning/afternoon, so not for the faint hearted. T2 is in a school hall where you can shower if you so wish. However, at this point I must stress you must have your wits about you because the logistics are stressful for all concerned as you need your bike and equipment going to the right place, but I have to say they were amazing and I felt confident in their ability and mine. I know it’s not a race, but I found myself starting the 14-mile trail run and couldn’t help myself and so ran off too fast as feeling good. However, the North Downs and the weather had other ideas and we all started walking the many hills and stairs with some walking more than most, but it gives you the opportunity to take in the beautiful views including the Amex stadium. With well-loaded aid stations there is no need to carry loads on the run. You finish along Brighton seafront which is special enough, however this year there was a party on the beach with Fat Boy Slim, so that was an interesting finish. I ran straight into the sea after 7h30mins and enjoyed my complementary burger, medal and T-shirt and chatted with fellow competitors.
Outlaw Middle Distance Triathlon – Nottingham – Sunday 26th July 2026
Huge congratulations to Christine Griffin and Rhian Standley on completing the Outlaw Middle Distance Triathlon and thanks so much to both of them for reporting in. First up, Christine:
On Sunday 26th July 2026, I completed the Outlaw Middle Distance Triathlon in Nottingham.
Unfortunately, due to blue-green algae in the lake, the 1.2-mile swim had to be cancelled. It was disappointing, but the organisers quickly adapted the event by adding a 2.7-mile run before the usual 56-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile run.
Before I go any further, I must mention my coach, Kate Bradford. I started training with Kate on 1st March. She had coached me for my standard-distance triathlon the previous year, and I know I would never have reached the level of fitness needed for this challenge without her guidance. But Kate provides so much more than training plans. Her enthusiasm, support and endless encouragement are what make her such a brilliant coach. Throughout my training she reminded me that, on race day, my mind would play tricks on me and try to convince me to stop. As usual, she was absolutely right!
My first run went well and I felt strong heading into transition. The transition area was enormous, and there was a very long run (and walk!) to the bike mount line before I could finally get going.
I was in the last wave to start — the over-55s (I’m 63!) and I imagined a rather solitary ride. However, the bike course included a loop used by the Original Outlaw competitors, who were tackling a staggering 112 miles. As a result, I spent much of the ride being overtaken by athletes on very fancy bikes who looked incredibly fit and fast!
The wind was relentless. Some of the gusts were brutal and made the ride really challenging. Early on, I developed cramp in my calf and worried it might worsen, but thankfully it passed. My Apple Watch decided to misbehave, leaving me unsure how far I’d travelled, so I was counting down the miles to the feed station. When I finally arrived, it was pure joy to stop briefly and pour water over myself to cool down. The volunteers were outstanding from start to finish.
The route itself was beautiful, winding through lovely Nottinghamshire villages. I only wish I’d studied the course a little more beforehand, as I kept wondering how far remained. I do have a bike computer, but I found myself constantly thinking, “That can’t be right — surely I don’t still have that far to go!”
Eventually, the route took us past Holme Pierrepont Hall and back towards the National Water Sports Centre. I dismounted, made my way back to my spot in transition, changed into fresh socks, visited the portable toilet and headed out for the half marathon.
What I hadn’t realised was that the run course headed away from the lake, climbed a hill and passed the rapids where people were rafting and kayaking. If I’m honest, it looked considerably more fun than running!
At every feed station I poured water over myself in an attempt to stay cool without soaking my feet. After completing the first loop, my spirits dipped as I fully appreciated just how long the course was. At the first feed station on the second lap, I had a real wobble. I shed a few tears, but a wonderful volunteer gave me a hug and told me I could do it.
As I stood there fighting back tears, I remembered Kate’s words about the mind playing tricks. This was exactly what she had been talking about. I looked down at my arm where I’d written “DFQ” in Sharpie — Don’t F*ing Quit — and carried on.
The third and final lap brought renewed determination, although I was getting slower and slower. At one point, a lovely gentleman walking was moving faster than I was running, which made me laugh.
At the final feed station I needed another loo stop. I knew it would cost me time, but it was necessary. A cup of Coke gave me a much-needed boost and I pushed on towards the finish.
As I approached the finish chute, the crowds were incredible. Running down the famous orange carpet with my head held high and a smile on my face was a moment I’ll never forget. Hearing the commentator announce my name was absolutely fantastic.
After crossing the line, a lovely member of the Outlaw team approached me and began with the words, “I’m so sorry…”
My heart sank. I was convinced she was about to tell me I’d missed the cut-off.
Instead, she explained that they had run out of Middle Distance medals and that I’d been given a Full Distance medal instead, but they would send the correct one in the post.
The relief of finishing, combined with the emotion of the entire day, completely overwhelmed me. I burst into tears and she gave me a hug. At that moment, I simply needed to cry.
Eventually, I pulled myself together and walked around the corner to find my friend Rhian, who had finished more than two hours earlier.
One of the lovely Outlaw traditions is that every competitor receives a meal after finishing, and it was never more welcome than on this occasion.
I was initially disappointed that my run split had taken longer than I’d hoped, but after a night’s sleep my perspective changed. This was an incredibly challenging event. Strong winds, high temperatures, an unexpected extra run and a tough three-loop half marathon combined to make it one of the hardest endurance challenges I’ve ever faced.
As I reflect on the day, I’m filled with gratitude. To the incredible volunteers, the supporters around the course, my friend Rhian, a fellow Tuff fitty, and especially my coach, Kate Bradford. Her belief in me never wavered, even when mine did. The training got me to the start line, but her encouragement helped me reach the finish line.
It wasn’t the race I had trained for, and it certainly wasn’t easy. But despite the setbacks, the doubts, the tears and the challenges, I kept going.
I completed Outlaw Middle Distance Nottingham 2026.
And today, I am incredibly proud of that.
Now Rhian’s thoughts:
My first 70.3: Trusting the Training
Last weekend I completed my first Outlaw Middle Distance event in Nottingham.
Originally, the event was due to consist of a 1.2-mile open water swim, a 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile half marathon. Having never attempted the distance before, I set myself three stacked goals:
- Finish
- Finish inside the Ironman 8hr 30 cut-off
- Finish in under 7 hours
I like setting goals this way. It gives me something ambitious to aim for, while recognising that race day doesn’t always go according to plan.
My training was squeezed in around full-time work and coursework, so it maxed out at around seven hours per week and focused on preparing for the things that worried me most. Interestingly, the distance itself wasn’t top of the list.
I needed to get comfortable with open water panic/breathlessness and the dizziness I sometimes experience when exiting the water. A number of Tuesdays at Ardingly Reservoir sorted me out and became a bit of a regular jaunt with other Tuffs, Christine, Hazel S and sometimes Jodi too.
On the bike, nutrition and hydration were major focus areas. Long rides became opportunities to practise eating and drinking while moving and work out what fuelled me best. The answer for me turned out to be a combination of Tailwind to drink and Marmite on Mother’s Pride. (I find too much sweet stuff turns my stomach after a while.) I also had to learn a few practical skills, including my first set of cleats.
For the run, the goal was maintaining form on tired legs. For this, I did strength training twice a week and kind of prioritised this over actual running, to be honest.
I also wanted to improve my pacing discipline and learn to keep my heart rate below 150 bpm throughout, rather than burning through too early. I know I can run faster, but I reckoned the back end of a 56-mile bike ride wasn’t the time to find out!
Then race week threw in a surprise.
The hot weather throughout July had led to blue-green algae levels in the lake becoming unsafe for swimming, so the swim was cancelled and replaced with a 4km run. Overnight, the event became a duathlon. Some competitors were understandably frustrated, but there wasn’t much point dwelling on something nobody could control. Safety comes first, and isn’t adapting part of endurance sport?
The added run created a temptation to start too fast, but I stuck to my pacing plan and it’s so hard to let others disappear up the road! The bike that followed was really enjoyable, taking us through some beautiful Nottinghamshire countryside. At 7am, the cool morning air made conditions feel ideal, but by midday temperatures had climbed into the high twenties. Staying on top of hydration and electrolytes became increasingly important. My sarnies melted in the heat, so I was scooping Marmite goo out of my top tube bag like Winnie the Pooh with honey, but still: delicious salt! I was pleased to do the bike in 3.5 hours.
The run off the bike was exactly as you’d expect: ignore what legs are telling you and trust! Eventually things settled down and I found a rhythm. A strategy that worked well for me was stopping no more than one minute at each aid station for water, a Veloforte gel and a chance to let my heart rate come back down before setting off again.
By the final kilometre I was pretty sick of it! One final cup of flat cola at the last aid station provided enough lift to enjoy the run down the finish chute and the “orange carpet”. The crowds along the path were awesome, so encouraging, and having your name on your bib adds a personal touch when people in the crowd call for you.
I crossed the finish line knackered, having achieved all three goals, and trotted through the funnel to collect my medal and a really cold can of Erdinger. Pretty soon, my stomach let me know it was ready for food, and while the medal was nice, if I’m honest, the bowl of pasta afterwards may have been the highlight of the day.
Finally, shout-out to Christine Griffin, who accompanied me on the trip and is the best cheerer-upper in the game!
Also congrats to the other Tuffs, Kelly and Ed, who finished the Middle Distance too. It was so lovely to see friendly faces out on course.
And yes, I’m already wondering what’s next.
parkrun Round Up
Saturday 4th July 2026
| NAME OF PARKRUN | TUFF PARTICIPANTS | THINGS OF NOTE |
| Littlehampton | Fraser Kidd Dominique Noiret Oliver Thomas Adrian Oliver Stephen Evans Emma Hinton Andrew Rossiter Al Evans Chris Evans | PBs for Dominique and Andrew R |
| Bognor | Peter Littleboy Steve Fryer Glenn Parisi Colin Simpson Clive Harvey Olly Sampson Benita Fryer | Glenn – PB Pete – Touring |
| Lancing Beach | Les Pearce Ed Lay | |
| Downs Link | Dan Lawrence | |
| Bushy Park | Shelia Bailey | Touring |
| Tetbury Goods Shed | Sue Pinky | Touring |
| Maaraue parkrun Germany | Stephen FEEST |
Saturday 11th July 2026
| NAME OF PARKRUN | TUFF PARTICIPANTS | THINGS OF NOTE |
| Littlehampton | Fraser Kidd Abi Clark Steve Bridgeman Colin Simpson Stephen Evans Oliver Thomas Chris Evans | Abi – PB by 39 secs and 4th time as 1st lady Fraser – 100th parkrun and volunteering too |
| Lancing Beach | Simon Grundy | 99th parkrun |
| Highcliffe Beach | Al Evans | Touring |
| Hockgraben parkrun Germany | Stephen Feest | Touring |
Saturday 18th July 2026
| NAME OF PARKRUN | TUFF PARTICIPANTS | THINGS OF NOTE |
| Littlehampton | Gareth Coombes Steve Fryer Tom Frith Dominique Noiret Glenn Parisi Stephen Evans Olivia Morey Oliver Thomas Clive Harvey Kayleigh Hudson Abi Clark Benita Fryer Daniel Barnett Chris Evans | Dominique – PB Kayleigh – Volunteering |
| Lancing Beach | Ed Lay Murray Hodge | |
| East Brighton | Sue Pinky | |
| Moors Valley | Al Evans | Touring |
| Meon Valley | Colin Simpson | |
| Phoenix, Cheshire | Paul Fielder | Touring |
Saturday 25th July 2026
| NAME OF PARKRUN | TUFF PARTICIPANTS | THINGS OF NOTE |
| Littlehampton | Fraser Kidd Steve Fryer Dominique Noiret Simon Grundy Amy Kidd Stephen Evans Chris Evans | Simon Grundy – 100th! Chris Evans – volunteering |
| Downs Link | Stephen Feest | |
| Horsham | Glenn Parisi Clive Harvey | |
| Eastbourne | Shelia Bailey | Touring |
| Malling Rec | Al Evans | Touring |
| Chester | Paul Fielder | Touring |
| Holywell King George V Playing Fields, Watford | Colin Simpson Sue Simpson | Touring |
