Unfortunately we have to cancel this event as the recently formed landowner association (PLMA) have refused permission for the off-road bike stage of the event to go ahead and we have been unable to come up with a suitable alternative route.  

For 2023 the Pentland Triathletes solstice triathlon will take place on the evening of Wednesday the 21st June.

Due to various restrictions the number of individual competitors is limited to 85.

Cash prizes are presented to the first three in the Male and Female categories. Due to the limited number of entrants there are no age group prizes.

Entry for to the 2023 Solstice triathlon is on a first come, first served basis and is managed via Entry Central.

We operate a waiting list and there are typically a few call-offs as the event date approaches, so it is worthwhile adding your name to the waiting list if the event is full.

Event Website

Full details of the event are available on our website:

Pentland Triathletes Solstice Triathlon

Getting There

Threipmuir reservoir is located to the west of Edinburgh in the Pentland Hills south of Balerno. Follow the signs in Balerno to either the Threipmuir or Harlaw car parks. Both are about the same distance from registration.

Race Information

Registration is located at the transition area at the North East corner of the reservoir and commences at 6:15 pm on the evening of the event and closes at 7pm. If you are late for registration your place may be re-allocated. A race briefing will be given at 7:20 pm - 10 minutes prior to the start. Bikes must be racked on your numbered slot before the Race Briefing. You will be provided with a race number and swim cap.

This race is held under the rules of TriathlonScotland and the British Triathlon Federation.

Swim

750 m open water swim in Threipmuir reservoir. Weather is usually reasonable at the time of the race, but wetsuits are compulsory. Please keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates. We encourage all abilities to enter, but participants MUST have some previous experience of open water swimming and be able to complete the course within the 25 minute cut off time.

In the unlikely event that conditions dictate it is not possible to swim in the reservoir we will run the event as a duathlon replacing the swim leg with a 4km run.

Bike

NOTE: Drop handlebar bikes (Cyclo-cross / gravel / Road) are not permitted.

The bike ride is a 15km off road anticlockwise cycle that is best done on a mountain bike. The route is is constantly changing due to path maintenance and weather conditions. Although the event is well marshalled, you should familiarise yourself with the route prior to the event - if possible get out and ride it!

Remember, you will likely be sharing the route with walkers, other cyclists, sheep and anglers, and it is your responsibility to ensure no person or sheep is alarmed by you bearing down on them. If necessary slow down - it is the same for all competitors so courteous behaviour will have no impact on the final standings.

Run

That's the hard work over with. All that is left is a nice flat off-road 5 km run along the north shore of Threipmuir reservoir followed by an anti-clockwise loop around the picturesque Harlaw reservoir.

Facilities

Parking

There are two parking areas, both about a 15 minute walk from the start:

The one at Red Moss close to Threipmuir reservoir is best approached from Balerno.

The one near the Rangers centre at Harlaw reservoir is best approached from Currie.

Car parking is free but limited, so please car share where possible. If it is a nice evening there will plenty other people out benefiting from all the area has to offer.

Toilets, Showers and Changing

A couple of chemical toilets are available at the transition area. The toilets at the Rangers office at Harlaw are also available.

As we are out in the country there are no showers or changing facilities available (other than male and female tents), so please allow for this in your preparation.

Entry Costs, Cancellations and Refund Policy

The cost of entry is £40 for Triathlon Scotland members that hold a current licence race number and £45 for non-members. This price is inclusive of  the (£2 - members; £7 - non-members) Triathlon Scotland and British Triathlon Federation fees. Competitors are responsible for paying the Entry Central fees.

If you cancel prior to the 7th June 2023 individuals will receive a refund of £28. Unfortunately if you cancel after that date we will be unable to offer a refund.

It is not possible to transfer your entry to someone else as we will be operating a waiting list after the ballot is closed and places allocated.

Finally

In the unlikely event that conditions dictate it is not possible to swim in the reservoir we will run the event as a duathlon replacing the swim leg with a 4km run.

There will be medical facilities available at transition. If you are unfortunate enough to have an accident out on the course it may take a bit more time getting to you, but you won't be anywhere too remote!

The Pentland Hills are an area of scenic beauty. Please help look after them by not leaving any rubbish (wrappers etc.) out on the course, or in the transition area. The course is too short for you to need any food, gels etc. so save yourself the hassle of carrying such items on the course. Water will be provided when you complete the event; you may want to have your own bottle in transition and/or on your bike.