A rack of bikes lined up at a triathlon

Organise your own triathlon

If taking part in a single discipline challenge isn't tough enough, then why not organise your own triathlon?

If taking part in a single discipline challenge just doesn’t cut the mustard for you, and you want to up the ante, then organising your own triathlon is an adventurous way to test yourself and support people living with cancer. 

You choose the distances, you select the locations and you set the clock. You can even complete it as a team and have friends and family complete different disciplines in the challenge.
Register your event

When you register your event

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You get helpful tips and advice
Receive ideal tips and advice for your type of event.
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Lets us know you are supporting Macmillan
We love hearing how you’re supporting us, so please share your story.
You get fundraising support
Our team can help you reach your target by offering tips, advice and support by phone.

Quick steps to plan your triathlon challenge

The number one.

Choose a distance and the locations for your challenge

The beauty of doing your own triathlon is that you get to choose where you complete each of your disciplines.

The number two.

Choose a date(s)

Whether you go for a one-day challenge or spread it out over a period of days, choose a date to make it real.
The number three.

Get your team together

You don’t have to, but it’s safer (and more fun) to complete your challenge with others. And the bigger your team is, the bigger your network of fundraising support will be.
The number four.

Register your challenge

Register your challenge so we can support you through your challenge.
The number five.

Set up your fundraising page

Set up your JustGiving fundraising page so you network of friends and family can support your challenge.

Your impact

In 2020, our supporters raised over £750,000 by doing their own physical challenges, including triathlons. That money could support our Cancer Information and Support team to run our Macmillan Support Line phone service for five months. In this time, they could deal with over 40,000 calls and web enquiries from people who want questions answered, need practical or financial support, or just want to chat.

Find out more about why your support matters.

Frequently asked questions

If you can't find the answer you're looking for below, please email fundraising@macmillan.org.uk and the team will be happy to help.

Fundraising

  • I need some help with fundraising ideas, can you help?

    We love fundraising and want to help make sure it's as easy as possible for you. We've got lots of ideas to help get the money rolling in.

  • Can I get another sponsorship form?

    Yes, you can download another sponsorship form here.

    If you don't have access to a printer, you can ask us for one us by emailing fundraising@macmillan.org.uk and we'll post one straight out to you and you can carry on with your fundraising.

  • I’ve done my triathlon, how do I pay the money in?

    Paying your money is easy. Find out how.

Planning and preparation

  • Where can I find help with training?

    We have training plans to get you in tip-top shape. You should also check out our guidance on how to stretch, strengthen, and fuel for your triathlon with professional advice from our training partner Running with Us.

  • What can I do to make sure my triathlon is safe?

    To ensure your triathlon is safe it's important to be as prepared as possible. We recommend following safety advice for each discipline you plan to complete. And ensure you have plenty of support on the day you complete your challenge.

    For advice on cycling, British triathlon have lots of helpful cycling safety advice.

    For advice on swimming in open water, Swim England, RLSS, and British Triathlon publish regular guidance in regards to Coronavirus lockdown restrictions. 

    To ensure you're body is sufficiently fuelled for your training and your challenge, check out British Triathlon's nutrition hub.

  • What equipment and kit do I need?

    Depending on the length and complexity of your triathlon, you may need different kit. For a standard swim/cycle/run triathlon then the below list will cover the basics.

    Swimming

    • Swimming costume (or wetsuit if the water is colder)
    • Goggles
    • A swim cap – to keep you visible as well as keeping hair off your face.

    Cycling

    • A bike
    • Helmet
    • A tyre repair kit/pump
    • Cycling shoes (these can either be trainers, or clip-in shoes if you have compatible pedals)
    • Sunglasses
    • Water bottle.

    Running

    • Running shoes
    • Regular, comfortable running clothing
    • Sunglasses.

    If you have any questions about the equipment you need for taking part in your triathlon, please email the team at fundraising@macmillan.org.uk and the team will be happy to help.

Macmillan materials

  • Can I get a t-shirt for my event?

    Yes, you can order a t-shirt for free from be.Macmillan. If you would like more, you can buy t-shirts, other clothing, water bottles, and other useful items from our online shop.

  • How can I get posters and flyers to advertise my event?

    You can create your own event materials on be.Macmillan. Once you've registered on the website you can create any materials you need for your event.

Get in touch

0300 1000 200
Our Support Line is available Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm
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Fundraising FAQs
Answers to common questions our supporters have about supporting Macmillan – how to pay in money, changing your details, making a donation.
Fundraising tips
Get top tips and advice from Macmillan on how to maximise your fundraising.