When is the Super Sprint London 2026?

The next edition of the Super Sprint London is on July 21, 2026. The race is typically held in July each year.

What is the water temperature at Super Sprint London and can I wear a wetsuit?

The swim takes place in lake water with an average temperature of 17°C during race month. Wetsuits are conditional — typically depends on race-day water temperature.

How hilly is the Super Sprint London bike course?

The 10km bike course has 20m of elevation gain and is classified as flat. The course is multi loop on road surface. Drafting is not allowed.

What is the weather like on race day at Super Sprint London?

Expect temperatures between 13°C and 26°C (average 20°C) with 60% humidity. There is a 31% chance of rain and average wind speeds of 21 km/h. Typical: 20°C, 60% humidity.

How big is the Super Sprint London and when was it first held?

The Super Sprint London was established in 2014 (12 years ago) and has approximately 1,173 finishers per edition. Athletes from 48 countries compete.

What is the average finish time for Super Sprint London?

The average finish time is approximately 0 hours and 54 minutes. This can vary based on weather conditions, course difficulty, and athlete experience level.

What are the swim conditions like at Super Sprint London?

The 400m swim is in lake water with calm conditions. The format is open-water. Lake swim in London.

Super Sprint London — Guide, Training Plan & Tips

Average Finish Time 00:54:00

Total Finishers 1,173

Temperature 20°C

Water Temperature 17°C

Bike Elevation ↑20m

Established 2014

"Lake swim and rolling countryside bike in London, United Kingdom."

🏊 Swim

Distance 400m

Water lake (open-water)

Water Temp 17°C

Wetsuit conditional

Avg Split 00:09:00

Lake swim in London.

🚴 Bike

Distance 10km

Elevation ↑20m

Profile flat

Drafting Non-drafting

Avg Split 00:24:00

Flat bike course in London.

🏃 Run

Distance 2.5km

Elevation ↑2m

Surface road

Topology multi-loop

Avg Split 00:22:00

Run through London.

Transition Details

T1 — Swim → Bike

T2 — Bike → Run

T1/T2 are in different locations · Surface: pavement

Weather

Air Temp 20°C 13°–26°C

Humidity 60%

Rain Chance 31%

Wind 21 km/h

Typical: 20°C, 60% humidity.

Registration

Registration Opens January

Entry Cost €96

Time Limit 2.5h

https://example.com/super-sprint-london

The Story

Super Sprint London exists for one reason: to lower the barrier to entry for triathlon in one of the world's greatest cities. The 400m swim, 10km bike, 2.5km run format distils the sport to its essential elements and says: you can do this.

The swim in the Royal Victoria Dock is 400 metres — about eight lengths of a standard pool, stretched out in open water. The dock is calm, enclosed, and predictable. For nervous swimmers, these are ideal conditions: no waves, no current, just distance and your own effort.

The 10km bike through Docklands is fast and flat, with the Canary Wharf skyline as your reference point and the Limehouse Link tunnel providing the same surreal underground experience that the longer London Triathlon courses offer.

The 2.5km run is where super-sprint shows its true nature. It's not a warm-up. At race intensity, 2.5km is a lung-searing effort that rewards those who didn't hold back on the bike. The ExCeL centre crowd provides encouragement that makes the final 500 metres bearable.

Super Sprint London isn't trying to be epic. It's trying to be the first step. The race that makes you realise you're a triathlete — that you can swim, bike, and run, in the correct order, in London, and finish with a medal around your neck and a story to tell. Most people who do their first super-sprint do their first sprint the following year.

"I signed up thinking I couldn't do it. I finished thinking: when's the next one?"

First-time super-sprint finisher — Post-race, Super Sprint London

"Super-sprint is triathlon's greatest gateway drug. It hooks people before they realise they've been hooked."

London triathlon coach — Interview on beginner recruitment

What It Feels Like

Super Sprint London is triathlon's front door. The flat, safe, well-organised course removes every physical barrier to entry. The distance is achievable for any reasonable swimmer/cyclist/runner. It's designed to create triathletes, and it does — thousands of them, every year.

🏊 The Swim

400m in the Royal Victoria Dock. Enclosed, calm, dark water. For first-timers, this is the least intimidating open-water swim you'll find — no current, no waves, and the distance is short enough to survive even with imperfect technique.

🚴 The Bike

10km of flat Docklands roads. Fast, safe, and exciting. The Limehouse Link tunnel adds drama. At 10km, the bike is over quickly — but it's long enough to feel like proper cycling.

🏃 The Run

2.5km around the ExCeL centre. At race intensity, 2.5km is harder than it sounds. The crowd support makes the final push achievable. It's a sprint finish, not a jog.

Legendary Moments

2014

Super Sprint London Launches

The super-sprint distance is added to the London Triathlon weekend, giving absolute beginners a distance they can wrap their heads around. The first edition sells out within weeks.

2019

The Youngest Wave

The minimum-age wave includes teenagers racing alongside their parents. Super Sprint London becomes a genuine family event, expanding the definition of who a triathlete can be.

💡 Insider Tips

→ Don't overthink it. The super-sprint is designed to be achievable. If you can swim 400m in a pool, ride a bike for 20 minutes, and jog for 15 minutes, you can finish this race.
→ Practice transitions at home. Lay out your kit and rehearse: wetsuit off, helmet on, shoes on, go. Then: helmet off, running shoes on, go. Speed comes from simplicity.
→ Go harder than you think you should. Super-sprint is short enough that conservation is a mistake. Warm up before your wave and race at 90% effort from the gun.