2026 Sandwell Open Water Aquathlon
July 11 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Race Description
An event for the whole family to participate in. With categories for children 8-16yrs, youths & Adults as well as a scootathon for 2-7yr old siblings.
It all begins with an Open water lake swim, followed by a run circuit on pathways all within the Sandwell Country Park. All the excitement in a great location!
This Event has been run for many years as a Triathlon (swim/bike/run) but to encourage more into the sport following Covid, the Event is being run as an Aquathlon (same swim/run course but no cycle segment) with the option of “swim only” for 2026.
Race Format
This is an aquathlon (swim + run), rather than a full triathlon; there is no cycling leg for 2026. The format also offers a “swim only” option.
Race Options / Categories & Distances
There are races for different ages / ability categories. Most races involve a swim in open water (the Swan Lake), followed by a run, with a transition in between. Transition includes a 60m section over tarmac.
Races and Distances
Adult 400m
| Race Category | Ages / Notes | Swim Distance | Run Distance | Terrain & Other Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adults (Short) | Adults | 400m swim | 4 km flat/gravel run | Open water lake swim; run is flat/gravel; transition 60 m on tarmac; aid stations, distance markers etc. |
Adult 400m Swim+Transition ONLY
| Adults (shorter) | Adults | 400m swim | N/A | Open water lake swim; transition 60 m on tarmac; |
Adult 750
| Adult 750 | Adults | 750m swim | 5 km run | Open water lake swim; run is flat/gravel; transition 60 m on tarmac; aid stations, distance markers etc. |
Adult 750 Swim+Transition ONLY
| Adult 750 | Adults | 750m swim | N/A | Open water lake swim; transition 60 m on tarmac; |
TriStar 1 (9-10yrs)
| TriStar 1 | 10/11 yrs on 31 Dec 2026 | 150m swim | 1.2 km run | Open water lake swim; run is flat/gravel; transition 60 m on tarmac; aid stations, distance markers etc. |
TriStar 2 (11-12yrs)
| TriStar 2 | 11/12 yrs on 31 Dec 2026 | 250m swim | 1.8 km run | Open water lake swim; run is flat/gravel; transition 60 m on tarmac; aid stations, distance markers etc. |
TriStar 3 (13-14yrs)
| TriStar 3 | 13/14 yrs on 31 Dec 2026 | 300m swim & | 2.4km run | Open water lake swim; run is flat/gravel; transition 60 m on tarmac; aid stations, distance markers etc. |
TriStar Start (8yrs)
| TriStar Start | 8 yrs on 31 Dec 2026 | 50m swim & | 600m run | Open water lake swim; run is flat/gravel; transition 60 m on tarmac; aid stations, distance markers etc. |
Youth
| Youth | 15/16 yrs on 31 Dec 2026 | 400m swim | 4 km run | Open water lake swim; run is flat/gravel; transition 60 m on tarmac; aid stations, distance markers etc. |