ACTIVE LIFE
OYSTERMAN TRIATHLON
Sunday 9th July 2023
500m / 20k / 5k
£50
Tri England Non Member - £55
Team Entry - £65
Closed 14/02/2023
STANDARD ENTRY
LAST MINUTE
£60
Tri England Non Member - £65
Relay Entry - £75
Closes 01/07/2023 or when sold out
RACE LOCATION
Car
Whitstable is easily accessible via the M2.
Train
There are regular direct trains from London to Whitstable, it is then approximately 1 mile to the race start. Taxis are available, or hop on your bike.
Taxi
Abacus Cars 01227 277745, Whitstable Taxis 01227 262120
Free parking is available all along Marine Parade and in the streets that lead to and from it. Alternative parking is available at Tankerton Road car park and also Gorrel Tank car park just outside the Harbour. If you have bikes on your car roof please make sure you remove them before entering the car parks as there are height barriers. Please do not park in restricted bays along Marine Parade as these relate to the transition exit for the start of the cycle route.
TIMINGS
Registration Opens: 06:00
Registration Closes: 07:00
Swim Starts from: 07:15
Awards presented: 10:00
REGISTRATION
Participants need to register at the registration desk and rack their bikes in the transition area between 6am and 7am on the morning of the event. If you are local or staying over in the area, participants will be able to register between 6pm and 7.30pm the evening before. Each participant (see relay participants below) will receive a race pack at registration containing numbered stickers for their bike and helmet, a single race number for their clothing, a swim hat and timing chip.
relay ENTRIES
Relay team entries are also welcome. When entering on-line, one person will need to register and include the names of all participants, their emergency contact details and any medical information. Just one entry fee applies to the whole team – you are only entering one race, after all. In our events, teams of 2 or 3 are equally acceptable. Teams will receive one race pack containing one race number and one timing chip and each participant can only do a maximum of 2 sections of the race.
SWIM CUT OFF
The sea swim course is tidal and although the swim section will take place during slack water (the time when the water is not coming in or going out) anyone in the water after 25 minutes is more likely to feel the effects of the sea more than those who complete the swim in a short time. For this reason we ask that all participants are prepared properly for the swim. On this note we would recommend that you prepare for a swim length of 750m (although the course is measured at 500m). We reserve the right to direct people back to the shore after 25 minutes for their own safety. There will be 2 (possibly 3) start times for the swim. Your swim start time will be provided in your pre race information sent out 10 days before the event. As in 2022 there will be a separate swim start and swim finish with both areas partially carpeted.
WETSUITS
A wet suit is compulsory if the water temperature is 14 degrees or below. The Triathlon England Race Official will decide whether a wet suit is optional and this may not be until event day. However, the sea temperature in early July has been over 17 degrees for the last few years. We would recommend using a wet suit as this will assist with buoyancy and warmth. If you don’t have your own wetsuit yet, consider whether you wish to hire for a season, just for the weekend or something in between.
BIKE ROUTE
The bike route is on quiet but open roads, a mix of coastal, suburban, green fields and sleepy villages. The course is relatively flat with only 139m of ascent in total, over the 20km course, with a mix of straights and corners to contend with. We are working with Kent County Council's Highways in relation to the redevelopment of Bullockstone Road. The road is currently being widened and is due to open in July and we are in regular contact. As a result we have a plan B in case that section isn't accessible.
Tri training
SOLD OUT
Oysterman entrants are eligible to add the Tri Training Day on Saturday 3rd June from 09:30 -12:30 for £10 when booking onto the Oysterman (otherwise the cost is £25). The training day is open to anyone still relatively new to the sport and with a focus on the Oysterman course. The morning will include skills, drills and tips on how to complete an open water triathlon as well as some of the more technical elements in each discipline.
We are also offering sea swim courses for beginners and intermediates. The beginner courses are 2 pool and 4 sea swim session over a number of weeks, whilst the intermediate courses are 6hrs over a weekend. There are courses starting from April through to August. For more information visit:
Sea Swim training
THE FINISH
Upon finishing all participants will receive a stunning 10cm medal by our partner, CutLaserCut, along with an immense sense of pride and satisfaction having competed in the Active Life Oysterman Triathlon. There will be an award ceremony at approx. 10:00 by the finish area. Prizes will be awarded for the top 3 finishers in both the open and female categories as well as the winners for each of the 7 age groups and relay category.
SUPPORTING PORCHLIGHT
Homelessness has been rising steadily over the last 5 years with 1 in 24 people in some areas of the south east being classed as Homeless. This has only got worse since the pandemic started and the cost of living crisis has forced more and more into poverty.
Porchlight support more than 7000 individuals and families across Kent each year. If you would like to support their work, when entering you will be asked if you would like to make a donation. Anyone raising over £30 will be sent a Porchlight running vest and there will also be a prize for the highest fundraiser. To find out more visit
OUR PARTNERS
