Getting Started in Triathlon: How 'Women In Tri UK' Helps Women Break Boundaries

Women In Tri UK was founded to remove the barriers that stop women from participating in triathlon. As a volunteer-led charity, they help women take on their first triathlon by providing financial support, mentorship, training resources and a welcoming community.

• Since launching, they’ve:
  Supported more than 100 first-time triathletes via their First Triathlon Programme.
• Paired hundreds of mentees into mentoring circles, offering guidance from experienced triathletes.
• Built a thriving and diverse community of over 400 women, providing a safe space for women to navigate the sport and have a sisterhood.
• Advocated for women’s needs in triathlon with brands, partners, and governing bodies.

They believe triathlon should be for everyone, regardless of background, experience, or financial situation.

Whether you’re a total beginner or returning to sport after a break, Women In Tri UK is here to support you on your journey. 

Every triathlete starts somewhere, and the journey is full of surprises. If you’re thinking about taking on your first race, here’s what you’ll learn along the way:

1. Your Mind is Your Strongest Muscle
   Triathlon isn’t just about physical endurance, it’s a mental game.
   
   The ability to keep going when your legs are burning, to stay calm in open water, and to push through fatigue is what separates those who finish from those who don’t.
   
   This is why Women In Tri UK exists, because confidence is often the biggest barrier for women. Their mentorship programme pairs beginners with experienced triathletes, helping them navigate self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and race-day nerves.
   
   
   "Before my first triathlon, I wasn’t sure if I belonged in the sport. But having a mentor changed everything. I had someone to ask questions, someone to remind me that I was capable. That support made all the difference." – Women In Tri UK Athlete
   
   
2. You Don't Need to Be a ‘Natural Athlete’
   
   Many women believe they need to be strong swimmers, fast runners, or experienced cyclists before they even consider triathlon. You don’t. The best triathletes are those who train smart, pace themselves, and keep showing up.
   
   Women In Tri UK exists to level the playing field. They know that every woman deserves the opportunity to experience the sport, no matter her background, fitness level, or financial situation.
   
   “I used to think triathlon was only for the super-fit. But after joining Fund Her Tri UK, I realised that it’s for anyone willing to give it a go. The support I received made me believe in myself.” – First-time Triathlete
   
   
3.  Transitions Are a Sport in Themselves
   
   Swimming, cycling, and running are only part of the challenge. Switching between them is an art form. Your first transition (T1, from swim to bike) might feel like a comedy show, as you wrestle with your wetsuit. T2 (bike to run) brings wobbly legs and the strange feeling of running on jelly.
   But that’s part of the fun. You learn, you adapt, and with time, you get faster.
   
   Through training support and workshops, Women In Tri UK helps women build confidence in every part of the race, including these tricky transitions.
   
   
4. Community is Everything
   
   Triathlon may seem like an individual sport, but it’s a team effort. Training partners, race-day volunteers, and fellow competitors will support you at every step.
   That’s exactly what Women In Tri UK is about, they don’t just help women get to the start line; they create a network of support that continues long after race day.
   
   
5. You’ll Discover Strength You Never Knew You Had
   
   At some point in your training or race, you’ll hit a wall. Maybe it’s in the last 100 metres of the swim, halfway through a tough ride, or during the final push of the run. That’s when you’ll discover how powerful you are.
   
   Triathlon teaches you that your limits are often self-imposed and that you can always go further than you think. 

Sponsorship

Many women dream of doing a triathlon but are held back by the cost of entry fees, kit, and training expenses.

Women In Tri UK removes this financial barrier by sponsoring first-time female triathletes, covering their race entry fees and providing the support they need to succeed.

• Covers race entry fees for women who need financial support
• Encourages women from all backgrounds to step into the sport
• Helps remove financial stress so athletes can focus on training

Mentorship

Starting triathlon can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, it becomes an achievable, exciting journey.

Their mentorship program connects beginners with experienced triathletes who can offer advice, encouragement, and race-day confidence.

• Guidance from experienced triathletes
• Support with training, race-day prep, and overcoming self-doubt
• A welcoming community of women who celebrate every milestone
  
  

Training & Coaching

Training for a triathlon is about more than just fitness—it’s about having the right knowledge and preparation.

They provide:

• Webinars & Workshops – Covering open water confidence, race-day strategies, injury prevention, and more.
• Training Plans – Beginner-friendly plans that fit around busy schedules.
• Kit Advice – Helping first-time triathletes navigate essentials without overspending.
  
  

Representation

Triathlon has historically been a male-dominated sport. Women In Tri UK is aiming to change that.

By supporting women through sponsorship, mentorship and advocacy, they’re making the sport more diverse, welcoming, and inclusive.

• Advocating for more inclusive race policies
• Partnering with race organisers to increase female participation
• Empowering women to step into a sport that once seemed out of reach 

Join ZONE3 and Women In Tri at the London Docks for a open water swim session this Spring and Summer.