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Charity triathlon

Swim, cycle and run for Macmillan. Whether you're entering an organised event or creating your own challenge, we've got everything you need to get started.

A triathlon participant is celebrating and has their arms raised up above their head. They are doing peace signs.

Join a triathlon event

Test your endurance and take on a triathlon and help us do whatever it takes for people living with cancer.

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Do your own triathlon

If you've organised your own triathlon to support Macmillan fill in our form to get your fundraising pack and tell us the details of your triathlon. We'll send you tips and advice to help you train for your challenge and raise funds.

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I'm doing a different triathlon

Found a triathlon you love, but it isn’t listed on our website? You can still take part and raise funds for Macmillan. Sign up for the event directly and fill in our online so we know you’re part of Team Macmillan.

Taking on your own triathlon

Doing your own triathlon is an exciting way to support people living with cancer. You choose where you want to run, swim and cycle, you choose when, and you make the rules. You can go solo or get a group together.

A group of volunteers are standing behind a barrier at a fundraising event. They are cheering on participants. One volunteer is holding a sign that says you can do it.

Get your fundraising pack

Set up your JustGiving page

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

Training plans and advice

We want to make sure you get ready for your triathlon. Check out the top tips and practical advice on our swimming, cycling, and running pages. But come back for your triathlon specific training plans.

Training plans

Whether you are doing your first sprint triathlon or tackling a grueling 70.3 miles of an iron distance event, we've got a plan perfect for you.

A woman swims with her hands out in front having just dived into the pool. She wears a swim cap and goggles.

Swimming tips and training resources

We've got the know-how on swimming technique, kit, and tackling open water.

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Cycling essentials

Make sure your bike is race day ready and find out how to stay safe on the road.

Running essentials

From training shoes to running posture, we've got all the top tips to get you running like a pro.

Helping you raise money

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Fundraising tips

All the information you need to get your fundraising started and raise as much as you can for our vital services.

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Materials and resources

Create your own fundraising materials or order some additional resources to give your fundraising activity the iconic Macmillan look.

A table of Macmillan branded merchandise including caps, metal water bottles, and folded t-shirts.

Online shop

From water bottles to sweat bands and everything in-between. Get the full Team Macmillan makeover from our online shop.

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.

Macmillan materials

If you have signed up to one of the triathlon events we have on our website, we may send you a T-shirt or other Macmillan branded clothing such as a running vest or cycling jersey. Please check the terms and conditions for the event you have signed up for.

If you have organised your own triathlon, you can purchase a Macmillan T-shirt and other Team Green clothing on our online shop.
You can create your own fundraising posters on Macmillan Orders. Once you've registered on the website you can create any materials you need to help with your fundrasing.

Triathlon training

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 and helmet

a tyre repair kit and 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.

You can also find lots of Team green T-shirts, cycling vests and more on our online shop.
We have triathlon training plans to help you get ready. You should also check out our guidance on how to stretch, strengthen and fuel for your triathlon with professional advice.

Doing your own triathlon

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.

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.

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.

Register your challenge
Register your challenge so we can support you through your challenge.

Set up your fundraising page
Set up your JustGiving fundraising page so you network of friends and family can support your challenge.
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, check out Triathlete's guide to going from the pool to open water.

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

Fundraising

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.
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.

Paying in your fundraising money

If you have signed up for an event and created a fundraising page, then you do not need to do anything to pay in your fundraising money.

If you've done your own fundraising challenge, we have different ways for you to pay in your money like online, by phone or at a bank or Post Office. Find out about how you can pay in your fundraising money.