Cumberland Council supports Lakesman Triathlon

Lakesman competitor

Cumberland Council is proud to join forces with the Lakesman Triathlon as principal race partner.

Based in Keswick, Cumbria, the event is set to host the British Championships and English Championships on Sunday 15 June. 

It first took place in 2016, is a partnership between Cumberland Council, Better and a local family business - Lakesman Events Ltd, who organise the event each year. 

It is made up of a 1.2-mile (1.9km) swim in Derwentwater, a bike ride of 56 miles (90km) discovering the scenery of West Lakes and a well-supported lapped half-marathon in and around Keswick.

Since its inception in 2016, the Lakesman Triathlon has cemented its reputation as a standout event in the UK triathlon calendar. 

Taking place on Sunday 15 June, The Lakesman offers a challenging, yet accessible race experience tailored for both seasoned triathletes and first-time endurance competitors. 

Following the main event on Sunday 15 June, all eyes will turn to the Keswick Rugby Club for the official Presentation and Press/VIP Reception, beginning at 3.30pm. This gathering will celebrate the achievements of all participants, recognise category winners, and offer exclusive media and networking opportunities.

The event’s reputation continues to grow, with more than 1,000 athletes participating annually from across the UK and beyond. Its recent accolade as the ‘Best of the Best’ Triathlon by Racecheck, a leading race review platform, underscores its rising global prominence.

Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, said: 

“The Lakesman Triathlon is a shining example of what makes our region so special -community spirit, breathtaking landscapes, and a commitment to wellbeing and inclusivity. We’re proud to support an event that not only draws national and international attention to Cumberland but also inspires residents of all ages to get active and involved.”

Marie Whitehead, Event Director added:

“It's a first for Cumbria to host the British or English championships and Lakesman 2025 has them both.

“We fully expect this to take the event to over 1000 athletes and in 2024 with 750 athletes towing the line, the economic impact showed it was over £2mn into the area.

“The best amateur athletes in the country will be racing, which is a great opportunity for our beginners to race alongside them, as well as inspire future generations to take part in sport.

“As well as direct economic impact into the area, we also have a strong policy to use local businesses, for example our medals and trophies are handcrafted by Lakeland Slate which is less than 100 metres from the finish line.  We use Cumbrian companies for over 95% of our kit and equipment and only go outside the county if it's not available in Cumbria.

“We support over 20 local organisations, sports clubs and charities, and donate left over food, kit and equipment to charities in Keswick and Allerdale.”

Martin Horne, Partnership Manager for GLL, the charitable social enterprise that operates more than 240 Better leisure centres in the UK including 12 in Cumberland, added: 

“On behalf of Better, I’m thrilled to see The Lakesman Triathlon take centre stage as the British and English Middle Distance Triathlon Championships. We've been proud partners of this incredible event since its inception in 2016, and it's amazing to witness how it has grown in prestige and popularity. The spirit, dedication, and community that define The Lakesman align perfectly with our values, and we look forward to another unforgettable event for athletes and spectators alike."

On Saturday 14 June at 11am, the Lakesman spirit extends to younger athletes with the return of the much-loved Kids Race. This fun and inclusive event is designed to give children a taste of the Lakesman. Open to all levels of ability, the Kids Race celebrates participation and enthusiasm. 

Want to take part? Sign up here: https://thelakesman.com/

Want to volunteer? Join Team Lakesman this year: https://resultsbase.net/event/6849