The Loch Lomond Beastie Triathlon Festival 2026

Loch Lomond Beastie Triathlon Festival 2026 invites you to challenge yourself among the scenic beauty of Balloch Castle Country Park. This festival is organized by the dedicated team at Lomond Swimming & Triathlon Club and promises a day filled with thrilling off-road triathlons, set against the backdrop of Scotland's iconic Loch Lomond.
On Saturday, July 25th, 2026, three distinct events will take place: The Beastie, The Wee Beastie, and The Bikeless Beastie Aquathlon. Each event offers a unique blend of swimming in the crisp waters of Loch Lomond, cycling through challenging off-road terrain, and running along picturesque trails.
The Beastie is designed for seasoned triathletes seeking an exhilarating challenge. Participants will swim 750 meters across the loch's sparkling surface before tackling 17 kilometers of rugged mountain biking on three laps. The run portion consists of two five-kilometer loops that wind through lush landscapes, culminating triumphantly in front of Balloch Castle.
The Wee Beastie offers a more introductory experience for those looking to dip their toes into the world of triathlon. This event includes a 400-meter swim followed by nine kilometers of off-road cycling on two smaller laps and concludes with a three-kilometer run around Loch Lomond’s serene shores. Despite its shorter distance, The Wee Beastie is no walk in the park; it remains an impressive achievement for all participants.
The Bikeless Beastie Aquathlon combines swimming and running without the need to cycle. Athletes will start by diving into the loch for a 750-meter swim followed immediately by a five-kilometer run through scenic trails, making this event both intense and rewarding.
Medals are optional in an effort to reduce waste, but if you wish to commemorate your achievement with one of our distinctive Beastie medals, simply indicate your preference upon registration. Each medal costs £5 as a token for the memorable experience.
The day’s schedule begins at 8:00 AM when registration and transition areas open. The main event kicks off at 9:30 AM with the start of The Beastie race followed by The Wee Beastie starting just after 10:15 AM, while The Bikeless Beastie commences at 11:00 AM.
Participants are required to use mountain bikes for this challenging course. Drop handlebars and other unsuitable bike types will not be permitted on the trails. Large, grippy tires are recommended due to potential muddy conditions along the route.
Wetsuits are mandatory if water temperatures drop below 14°C but prohibited when they exceed 22°C (with an exception for athletes aged 60+ who can wear wetsuits up until 24.6°C).
Balloch Castle Country Park offers limited parking, so please use designated areas at the National Park HQ or Lomond Shores instead.
On race day, changing tents and a bag drop will be available alongside toilets and catering services to ensure your comfort throughout the event. There are no shower facilities provided, but you have Loch Lomond itself for post-race refreshment!
The festival is governed by British Triathlon rules enforced by official officials from Triathlon Scotland who will also provide guidance where needed.
For detailed course maps and routes, visit our website or reach out to us at beastietriathlons@gmail.com if further clarification is required. We are committed to delivering a safe, supportive environment for all participants thanks to the hard work of volunteer members from Lomond Tri Club.
Join us on July 25th, 2026, and become part of an unforgettable triathlon experience at Loch Lomond!